Bill Clinton Writes Emotional Letter to 8-Year-Old Boy Waiting for Heart Transplant: ‘I Know How Scary It Can Be'
Dáithí Mac Gabhann, 8, received an 'emotional' letter from Bill Clinton that left his "jaw on the floor," according to his dad
'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," the former president wrote to the boy
Clinton, 78, underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2004Bill Clinton showed his support for a boy waiting for a heart transplant.
Dáithí Mac Gabhann, an 8-year-old who has been waiting for a heart transplant in Ireland since 2018, received a letter from the former president, 78. The Donate4Dáithí fundraising campaign shared the letter, which was dated and signed on May 13, in an Instagram post on May 30.
"It's not every day a letter comes through [the] door in Ballymurphy from a former US President… 🩷 #OrganDonation," the caption of the post said.
The letterhead read, "William Jefferson Clinton," and the note was typed, although Clinton appeared to have signed his name in ink at the bottom — with a handwritten message that read, "Keep going!"
"Dear Dáithí," the letter read. "Your dad wrote to tell me about your recent visit to City Hall to see your name listed among the Freemen of Belfast. I'm so proud to share that honor with someone as amazing as you."
Per the Belfast City Council, Dáithí received the Freedom of the City honor in 2023 after his successful campaign to change Northern Ireland's organ donation laws. Meanwhile, Clinton earned the civic honor in 2018 for his peace-building efforts in the country. BBC reported at the time that Dáithí was the youngest person to receive the honor at just 6 years old.
"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," the letter continued, in reference to Clinton's quadruple bypass in 2004. "I'm also deeply inspired by the way you and your family have worked hard to make positive change across Northern Ireland. Our world would be better if there were more people like you!"
"I hope I'll have the chance to meet you and your family next time I'm in Belfast. Until then, keep up your great work, and know that you have a big fan pulling for you in New York," the note concluded.
Dáithí's father, Máirtín Mac Gabhann, told BBC that the letter "stopped me in my tracks ... the fact someone like President Clinton took the time to write this letter is amazing."
The proud dad said his son had his "jaw on the floor" when he received the letter. "He knew this was big ... he couldn't believe it ... he was even getting a bit emotional about it all," Máirtín said.
The letter, according to the father, has given the family momentum as they near their seventh year of waiting for a transplant. "It gave us a much needed boost," he told the British broadcaster. "Dáithí is stable now but this letter has saved the day for us ... as he had been at hospital."
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Dáithí reached the anniversary date on Sunday, June 1, per Donate4Dáithí. The campaign shared a happy photo of the young boy at a sports stadium while decked out in Liverpool F.C. gear on Instagram to mark the occasion.
"7 years on the waiting list for a heart transplant today. Still smiling. Still fighting. Let's see how far this can go for #OrganDonation. Help us keep the message alive," the caption read.
Per the Department of Health in Northern Ireland, Dáithi's Law came into effect on June 1, 2023.
The law means that adults in Northern Ireland are considered potential organ donors unless they actively opt out or are part of an excluded group.
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