D.C. Provides Ugandan Boys with Life-Saving Heart Treatment

Samaritan’s Purse Partners with Rotary International’s Gift of Life, Children’s National Medical Center and a Local Family to Save a Child’s Life

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2009—Two infants just arrived in Washington, from their homes in Uganda for a second chance at life.  Although it is a long, difficult trip for these boys, it may be the only way to save their lives.

Born with serious heart defects and desperate for treatment not available in their home country, one-year-olds Tevin Kasasa and Desire Oshaba arrived in Washington, Saturday, May 9, for life-saving heart surgery.  Dr. Craig Sable of Children's National Medical Center found Tevin and Desire's heart defects while conducting screenings on a medical relief trip to Uganda.  Now these two children will receive the heart catheterizations they need through the efforts of international Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse, Rotary International's Gift of Life program and Children's National Medical Center. 

“These are children whose families have almost given up hope because they know it is only a matter of time before they will die from their heart condition,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse. “During a time that is difficult for many Americans, it is inspiring to see the D.C. community reaching out to those in more desperate need.”

INTERVIEW AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

• Visit Tevin and Desire, their mothers and their interpreter before or after the surgery at the home of local residents Jeff and Christina Berman.  Hear about their life in Uganda and their experience traveling to Washington to receive this life-saving opportunity.
• Speak with representatives from Samaritan’s Purse, Rotary International’s Gift of Life and Children’s National Medical Center.

Samaritan’s Purse, headed by Franklin Graham, identifies, provides initial medical screening and takes care of travel logistics for children overseas who need heart surgery.  The relief organization then matches the children with hospitals and specialists, like those from Children’s National Medical Center, who perform the life-saving surgeries.  Along with the hospital, Rotary International’s Gift of Life is covering the expense for all medical procedures.  Tevin and Desire’s surgeries are part of Gift of Life’s Our Hearts are in Uganda, an initiative to save the lives of 30 Ugandan children with heart defects in the month of May.  Samaritan’s Purse also arranged for the local family to host the boys, their mothers and an interpreter during their recovery period.

Children's National Medical Center, located in Washington, D.C., is a proven leader in the development of innovative new treatments for childhood illness and injury.  Children’s has been serving the nation's children for more than 135 years. Children’s National is proudly ranked among the best pediatric hospitals in America by US News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group. For more information, visit www.childrensnational.org.

MEDIA NOTE:  For more information, high-resolution photos or to schedule an interview, contact Jessica Wilson (770) 813-0000 or (770) 826-6435 cell or visit Samaritan’s Purse online newsroom www.DeMossNews.com/sp. 

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