A Personal Message from President Bill Clinton
In a deeply moving gesture, former U.S. President Bill Clinton has reached out to eight-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann, a young boy from Belfast who has been waiting seven years for a heart transplant. The message came in the form of a handwritten letter from Clinton himself, urging Dáithí to “keep going.”
Clinton, who once underwent heart surgery and shares the Freeman of Belfast title with Dáithí, wrote:
- “I’m so proud to share that honour with someone as amazing as you. As someone who’s had heart surgery myself, I know how scary it can be, and I’m so impressed by the bravery you’ve shown throughout your life.”
Clinton’s presidential legacy and humanitarian efforts remain a defining part of U.S. history. You can learn more about his leadership and presidency at the official White House biography.
Support from U.S. Leaders During a Difficult Week
The letter came at a particularly emotional time for Dáithí, who recently underwent a cardiac catheter procedure in Newcastle. Earlier, the family had also received a heartfelt message from Senator George Mitchell, a key figure in the Good Friday Agreement and a former U.S. Senate Majority Leader. His official biography is available on the U.S. Congress website.
Dáithí’s father, Máirtín Mac Gabhann, expressed deep appreciation for the letters:
- “Knowing that people think of us and Dáithí has always meant the world. We never imagined he would still be waiting after seven years, but here we are. We ask people not to look away—this is the time to look again.”
The Legacy of Dáithí’s Law and the Call to Action
June 1 marks two years since the introduction of Dáithí’s Law, a landmark reform that changed the organ donation process in Northern Ireland by creating a soft opt-out system. This system presumes consent unless individuals choose otherwise, aiming to increase the number of available organs for transplant.
While the law has shifted public policy, Máirtín emphasizes that legislation alone isn’t enough:
- “The law was a huge step, but organ donation still needs people. It needs you to register. It needs you to talk with your loved ones. That’s what truly makes the system work.”
If you’re in the U.S. and would like to make a difference, visit the official OrganDonor.gov — a U.S. Department of Health & Human Services resource — to register as an organ donor and learn how you can help save lives.
Quiet Strength and Continued Hope
There are no grand celebrations planned to mark this difficult milestone. Instead, the Mac Gabhann family is taking time for quiet reflection — on the emotional toll of waiting, the strength of their son, and the kindness of those who continue to support them.
Their message to the public is simple yet powerful:
- “Please, join the donor register. Tell your family. Share the message. Because so many are still waiting. One of them is Dáithí.”
To learn more about organ donation in your country:
U.S. residents: https://www.organdonor.gov
Northern Ireland: https://www.organdonationni.info
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