In War and Peace, Israeli Doctors Continue Lifesaving Mission, Saving 7000th Child

As part of our mission to transform pediatric cardiac care worldwide, Save a Child’s Heart trains cardiologists and practitioners in Israel who return home to their countries to create centers of quality care around the world. It was one of these doctors - Dr. Osano at the Cardiac Center at Kenyatta National Hospital - who diagnosed a fifth grader named Kelvin with two heart defects.

On November 1, 2023, Kelvin became the 7,000th child treated by Save a Child’s Heart after he underwent successful cardiac surgery at The International Pediatric Cardiac Center for Save a Child’s Heart in Holon, Israel. Laura Kafif, SACH House Mother, reflects on this milestone:

"Beginning the incredible journey with Save a Child's Heart 22 years ago, I vividly remember celebrating our 500th patient. Today, welcoming our 7,000th patient brings immeasurable joy. Each mended heartbeat and saved life echoes our team's dedication, turning dreams into realities."

Kelvin's Story: 7,000th Child Treated

Kelvin, a 10-year-old boy from Kenya, started having terrible chest pain at four years old and was constantly tired. A doctor in his community referred him to Dr. Osano, a cardiologist at Kenyatta National Hospital who was trained by Save a Child’s Heart in Israel. Dr. Osano diagnosed Kelvin with two heart defects: ventricular septal defect (VSD) and aortic regurgitation (AR).

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Save a Child's Heart brought Kelvin, along with 10 other children from Kenya, to Israel to receive life-saving cardiac care. Kelvin arrived with his mother and a nurse from Kenya for his treatment. Kelvin told us he was not scared about his treatment and that he was looking forward to feeling healthy, like a normal kid. He underwent a successful surgery, followed by a cardiac catheterization, at the Save a Child's Heart International Pediatric Cardiac Care Center in Holon, Israel in November and December 2023.

Kelvin’s life was saved thanks to the support of the German children's charity organization, BILD hilft e.V. Ein Herz für Kinder.

Kelvin is very fun and friendly. At the Save a Child’s Heart Children’s Home where he went to recover after his surgeries, Kelvin made many friends with other boys his age from around the world who were also in Israel for their cardiac procedures. Kelvin told us it was special becoming friends with them because they were all going through the same shared experience.

Kelvin’s mother said she is especially grateful to Save a Child’s Heart for mending her child’s heart.

"Save a Child's Heart gave my son, Kelvin, a second chance at a happy and healthy life. Being the 7,000th patient made our journey with this organization really special. The care from the amazing team healed my son and filled our hearts with gratitude. Wishing everyone at Save a Child's Heart a long and happy life, continuing their important work to help more kids all over the world. Your kindness made our story truly special, and we're grateful beyond words."