Seven-year-old Nebiyu Daniel Hayelgiyorgis from Ethiopia has embarked on a journey toward better health. Before he can undergo heart surgery, he required extensive dental surgery, which was successfully completed on February 11, 2025, at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. As he awaits clearance for his heart procedure, the Gift of Life program continues to support him every step of the way.
Sarai Scipion and Leonica Meneus, both from Haiti, arrived in New York as strangers but left as lifelong friends. The two young girls, ages six and five, traveled far from home to receive life-saving heart surgeries on January 15, 2025. Throughout their journey, they found comfort in each other, sharing smiles, laughter, and moments of strength. Their bond grew as they recovered side by side, proving that even in the face of hardship, friendship can blossom. Thanks to the staff at St. Francis Hospital and The Gift of Life program, Sarai and Leonica not only gained healthier hearts but also a friendship that will last a lifetime.
Five-year-old Leonica Meneus, also from Haiti, had her life-changing heart surgery at St. Francis Hospital on January 15, 2025. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of the staff at St. Francis Hospital, Leonica received the medical attention necessary to overcome her condition.
Six-and-a-half-year-old Sarai Scipion from Haiti underwent her heart procedure at St. Francis Hospital on January 15, 2025. The Gift of Life program made it possible for Sarai to receive the critical care she needed, ensuring that she could enjoy a brighter and healthier future.
At just two years old, Gedeoni Caal traveled from Belize to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, arriving on November 30, 2024. His open-heart surgery took place on December 5, 2024, a crucial procedure that gave him a healthier future. Through the Gift of Life program, Gedeoni and his family were given hope and access to life-saving medical care.
Salim Hasanli traveled from Azerbaijan to St. Francis Hospital, arriving on August 24, 2024. His heart surgery was planned to be performed by Dr. Sean Luvchuck on September 4, 2024, to address his congenital heart condition, but it has been postponed to October due to dental-related issues that need to be resolved before surgery can begin.
Brilliant Phillipah arrived from Uganda on August 27, 2024, to receive life-saving heart surgery at St. Francis Hospital, under the care of Dr. Sean Luvchuck. Her procedure took place on September 4, 2024, giving her a new chance at life. Through the Gift of Life program, children like Brilliant are able to access the medical care they need but would otherwise be unable to receive.
Jaylen arrived from Belize for a heart procedure at St. Francis Hospital on June 5, 2024. With Dr. Sean Luvchuck overseeing the surgery, Jaylen’s life was transformed through the Gift of Life program. His journey to health reflects the program’s commitment to helping children in need.
Alismendy’s story is not only about his heart surgery, performed on March 6, 2024, at St. Francis Hospital by Dr. Sean Luvchuck, but also about resilience. Due to gang violence in Haiti, he and his mother were unable to return home immediately. Thanks to volunteer Gladys, they stayed safely in New York until June. Alismendy even attended school in Queens, where Haitian teachers welcomed him with open arms.
Keina, also from Haiti, received vital heart care at St. Francis Hospital under the skilled hands of Dr. Sean Luvchuck. Her life-saving surgery is part of Gift of Life’s ongoing mission to provide medical care to children who would not otherwise have access to such services.