Latest news with #DáithíMacGabhann
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories. 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. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Dáithí's letter from Bill Clinton stopped me in my tracks'
A young boy from Belfast has received a letter from a former US President. Dáithí Mac Gabhann who inspired a change in Northern Ireland's organ donation rules received a silver envelope through the letterbox on Thursday. The letter was embellished with "William Jefferson Clinton", who many will know as Bill Clinton. Dáithí's dad, Máirtín Mac Gabhann said the letter "stopped me in my tracks... the fact someone like President Clinton took the time to write this letter is amazing". Dáithí's Law was named after seven-year-old Belfast boy Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant since 2018. The legislation means that most adults in Northern Ireland are now considered as potential organ donors after their death, unless they actively opt out. Mr Mac Gabhann told BBC News NI it was as if fate helped Dáithí receive this letter. "Dáithí and I were at Stormont to see the Secretary of State at a Good Friday Agreement event but he was running late... so we took a tour of the Freedom of the City Exhibition." When they went to view the exhibition Mr Mac Gabhann said President Clinton and Senator George Mitchell had been a couple of the last to receive the honour, in 2018. Dáithí also received the honour in 2023 in recognition of his campaign to raise awareness around organ donation. "I just had a thought and I reached out to Queen's and said I've written letters out about Dáithí and everything that's happened," Mr Mac Gabhann said. It's not every day a letter comes through door in Ballymurphy from a former US President… 🩷 #OrganDonation @BillClinton — Donate4Dáithí (@Donate4Daithi) May 30, 2025 He added that a response did come from Senator George Mitchell quickly because he had still been in Northern Ireland to respond. But the letter from the former president was something unexpected. "Dáithí hit a big redner, jaw on the floor... he knew this was big... he couldn't believe it... he was even getting a bit emotional about it all." He added that it's so positive to have this letter as Dáithí is about to reach his 7th anniversary of waiting for a heart transplant. "It gave us a much needed boost... Dáithí is stable now but this letter has saved the day for us... as he had been at hospital." Dáithí's 7th anniversary of being on a waiting list for a heart transplant falls on 2 June. In the letter to Dáithí, President Clinton said he was "so proud" to share the Freedom of the City honour "with someone as amazing as you". "Keep up your great work and know that you have a big fan pulling for you in New York." President Clinton ended the letter with one message - "Keep going!" "It was just an amazing letter, I got a separate letter from President Clinton and he said 'Your letter took my breath away. Press on!' and that's momentous," said Mr Mac Gabhann. Speaking about his son, Mr Mac Gabhann said it has been a long fight and journey for Dáithí but "luck has been on our side" and "the hope is what keeps you going". He reiterated his call for those to consider joining the organ donor register and to talk about it with family and friends. "We rely on the community, our close community, far and wide... don't forget about us. At our lowest points they (the community) have brought us up... as has President Clinton." Dáithí's Law campaigner among Birthday Honours 'Amazing legacy' of Dáithí's Law hailed one year on Organ law inspiration, 6, given freedom honour
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Dáithí's letter from Bill Clinton stopped me in my tracks'
A young boy from Belfast has received a letter from a former US President. Dáithí Mac Gabhann who inspired a change in Northern Ireland's organ donation rules received a silver envelope through the letterbox on Thursday. The letter was embellished with "William Jefferson Clinton", who many will know as Bill Clinton. Dáithí's dad, Máirtín Mac Gabhann said the letter "stopped me in my tracks... the fact someone like President Clinton took the time to write this letter is amazing". Dáithí's Law was named after seven-year-old Belfast boy Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant since 2018. The legislation means that most adults in Northern Ireland are now considered as potential organ donors after their death, unless they actively opt out. Mr Mac Gabhann told BBC News NI it was as if fate helped Dáithí receive this letter. "Dáithí and I were at Stormont to see the Secretary of State at a Good Friday Agreement event but he was running late... so we took a tour of the Freedom of the City Exhibition." When they went to view the exhibition Mr Mac Gabhann said President Clinton and Senator George Mitchell had been a couple of the last to receive the honour, in 2018. Dáithí also received the honour in 2023 in recognition of his campaign to raise awareness around organ donation. "I just had a thought and I reached out to Queen's and said I've written letters out about Dáithí and everything that's happened," Mr Mac Gabhann said. He added that a response did come from Senator George Mitchell quickly because he had still been in Northern Ireland to respond. But the letter from the former president was something unexpected. "Dáithí hit a big redner, jaw on the floor... he knew this was big... he couldn't believe it... he was even getting a bit emotional about it all." He added that it's so positive to have this letter as Dáithí is about to reach his 7th anniversary of waiting for a heart transplant. "It gave us a much needed boost... Dáithí is stable now but this letter has saved the day for us... as he had been at hospital." Dáithí's 7th anniversary of being on a waiting list for a heart transplant falls on 2 June. In the letter to Dáithí, President Clinton said he was "so proud" to share the Freedom of the City honour "with someone as amazing as you". "Keep up your great work and know that you have a big fan pulling for you in New York." President Clinton ended the letter with one message - "Keep going!" "It was just an amazing letter, I got a separate letter from President Clinton and he said 'Your letter took my breath away. Press on!' and that's momentous," said Mr Mac Gabhann. Speaking about his son, Mr Mac Gabhann said it has been a long fight and journey for Dáithí but "luck has been on our side" and "the hope is what keeps you going". He reiterated his call for those to consider joining the organ donor register and to talk about it with family and friends. "We rely on the community, our close community, far and wide... don't forget about us. At our lowest points they (the community) have brought us up... as has President Clinton." Dáithí's Law campaigner among Birthday Honours 'Amazing legacy' of Dáithí's Law hailed one year on Organ law inspiration, 6, given freedom honour
BBC News
31-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
'Dáithí's letter from Bill Clinton made us emotional'
A young boy from Belfast has received a letter from a former US President. Dáithí Mac Gabhann who inspired a change in Northern Ireland's organ donation rules received a silver envelope through the letterbox on Thursday. The letter was embellished with "William Jefferson Clinton", who many will know as Bill Clinton. Dáithí's dad, Máirtín Mac Gabhann said the letter "stopped me in my tracks... the fact someone like President Clinton took the time to write this letter is amazing". Dáithí's Law was named after seven-year-old Belfast boy Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant since legislation means that most adults in Northern Ireland are now considered as potential organ donors after their death, unless they actively opt out. Mr Mac Gabhann told BBC News NI it was as if fate helped Dáithí receive this letter. "Dáithí and I were at Stormont to see the Secretary of State at a Good Friday Agreement event but he was running late... so we took a tour of the Freedom of the City Exhibition." When they went to view the exhibition Mr Mac Gabhann said President Clinton and Senator George Mitchell had been a couple of the last to receive the honour, in 2018. Dáithí also received the honour in 2023 in recognition of his campaign to raise awareness around organ donation."I just had a thought and I reached out to Queen's and said I've written letters out about Dáithí and everything that's happened," Mr Mac Gabhann said. He added that a response did come from Senator George Mitchell quickly because he had still been in Northern Ireland to respond. But the letter from the former president was something unexpected. "Dáithí hit a big redner, jaw on the floor... he knew this was big... he couldn't believe it... he was even getting a bit emotional about it all." He added that it's so positive to have this letter as Dáithí is about to reach his 7th anniversary of waiting for a heart transplant. "It gave us a much needed boost... Dáithí is stable now but this letter has saved the day for us... as he had been at hospital."Dáithí's 7th anniversary of being on a waiting list for a heart transplant falls on 2 June. In the letter to Dáithí, President Clinton said he was "so proud" to share the Freedom of the City honour "with someone as amazing as you". "Keep up your great work and know that you have a big fan pulling for you in New York." President Clinton ended the letter with one message - "Keep going!" "It was just an amazing letter, I got a separate letter from President Clinton and he said 'Your letter took my breath away. Press on!' and that's momentous," said Mr Mac Gabhann. Speaking about his son, Mr Mac Gabhann said it has been a long fight and journey for Dáithí but "luck has been on our side" and "the hope is what keeps you going". He reiterated his call for those to consider joining the organ donor register and to talk about it with family and friends. "We rely on the community, our close community, far and wide... don't forget about us. At our lowest points they (the community) have brought us up... as has President Clinton."
Belfast Telegraph
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Bill Clinton writes to ‘amazing' NI boy awaiting heart transplant: ‘Our world would be better if there were more people like you'
Dáithí Mac Gabhann has been on the heart transplant waiting list since 2018 and his family have tirelessly campaigned for the legislation on organ donation to be changed to help increase the number of donors. The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, is known as named in 'Dáithí's Law' in recognition of the young boy. He was granted the Freedom of the City of Belfast in 2023 and celebrated at Belfast City Hall – becoming the youngest ever recipient of this honour. Over the years he has received support from celebrities, including Newcastle United FC legend Alan Shearer, Man United star Marcus Rashford and TV presenter Vernon Kay who hosted the ceremony for the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards where Dáithí was honoured. A post on Donate4Dáithí on X (formerly known as Twitter) said 'it's not every day a letter comes through door in Ballymurphy from a former US President'. A letter from the ex-President who is credited for his role in the NI peace process came on paper headed, 'William Jefferson Clinton'. It states: '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 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. '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 the 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.' Lots of people commented on the post, with one person saying: 'Amazing Dáithí, such a lovely letter. I hope you get to meet Bill Clinton.' Others described Dáithí as a 'special' and 'amazing wee boy' saying it was 'lovely to see'.
