Meet Safwan
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Shortly after Safwan was born, his parents learned their son had a congenital heart defect that would need to be repaired.
At the time, the lifesaving surgery Safwan needed was not available in Bangladesh, so the family traveled to India to have the surgery.
A few years later, when Safwan needed a second surgery as a young child, he was able to receive the surgery at the National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute (NHF) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
“This is my first wish. That he stays healthy
between all of us for a long life.”
Shamema, Safwan’s mother
NHF has since been named a Children’s HeartLink partner hospital and works alongside medical volunteers from Leeds Children’s Hospital in the U.K. Together, they’ll grow the pediatric heart care program at NHF and become trainers for other heart care programs in the region.
Explore all stories
Heart Warriors
Meet Safwan
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Born with congenital heart disease, the lifesaving surgery Safwan needed was not available in his home country.
Read Story
Meet Lis
São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
When Lis was born, her complex heart condition plunged her entire family into a fight for her life.
Read Story
Meet Olivia
São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
Despite uncertainty, our partners in São José do Rio Preto agreed to do everything in their power to help Olivia.
Read Story
Meet Davi
São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
Davi’s journey began with a heart defect; the care he received enabled him to resume a lively childhood.
Read Story
Meet Mohamed
Coimbatore, India
Mohamed’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration, expertise and dedication in saving young lives.
Read Story
Meet Mythili
Coimbatore, India
Mythili waited 12 years for complex, lifesaving surgery that would set precedent for rare cases like hers.
Read Story
Meet Phuc
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Had Phuc been born a few years earlier, she wouldn’t have had the lifesaving surgery that changed her fate.
Read Story
Meet Qirong
Lanzhou, China
Without heart surgery, Qirong wouldn’t have the life he has today.
Read Story