Toronto Mother and Daughter Help to ‘Save A Child’s Heart’

‘Save a Child’s Heart’ (SACH) is a remarkable organization that does just as its name states. Founded in 1996, SACH is an Israeli-based humanitarian organization that offers free, life-saving heart surgery to children in developing countries.

SACH’s mission is very simple. They save children’s lives and empower others to save children’s lives. In Israel and other partnering countries, SACH performs over 200 surgeries per year. The organization trains medical professionals in developing countries with the ultimate goal that these individuals can treat children within their own community.

Since it’s inception, SACH has provided care to over 2700 children from Africa, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Many of these children come from areas ravaged by war and nature such as Iraq, Haiti, Sri Lanka, and the Palestinian Authority.

The organization has offices around the world, including Toronto where SACH Canada is headquartered. Mr. A.E Diamond founded this local branch in 2001. In the past decade, the Canadian organization has grown from a 3 member board of directors to a 16 member board. It is currently led by Dr. Bernard Goldman, Order of Canada recipient for contributions to cardiac care and teaching and former Head of Cardiovascular Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief at Sunnybrook Sciences Centre.

SACH holds several events and programs to raise funds and awareness every year. Recently, the organization launched an initiative called “Climb Your Heart Out: Mount Kilimanjaro 2011". In August, a team of international doctors, supporters, and volunteers climbed Africa’s highest peak with the goal of raising $1 million. Over $500,000 has already been raised, with all money going towards life-saving heart surgeries for children in Africa. In the SACH program, each child can be saved for $10,000. That means that the money raised so far will save 50 children!

Two of the people that went on this incredible journey are Toronto-based mother and daughter, Mindy Ganz (SACH board member) and Emma Hacohen (project manager for ‘Climb Your Heart Out: Mount Kilimanjaro 2011’).

Shalom Life had the opportunity to speak with these inspiring women about the project and their experiences in Africa.

“A week before the climb, a fully equipped medical team from the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon traveled to the Bugando Medical Center in Mwanza, Tanzania. During this medical mission our team worked alongside local personnel, whom in many cases have already been trained in Israel, operating on children and sharing knowledge in the various related fields such as: cardiology, cardiac surgery, intensive care, anesthesia, perfusion and nursing” Emma Hacohen began.

SACH and the local personnel operated on 12 children and screened over 300.

“This was the true peak of my experience at SACH thus far. It allowed me to see first hand all aspects and objectives SACH operates by. I witnessed the Israeli team working with Bugando's staff to operate on the first pediatric open heart surgery in the region. I saw how grateful and intrigued the local staff was, as well as each parent that handed over their sick child to one of our doctors.”, Hacohen continued.

“I have seen many of the children that come from Africa, Romania, Indonesia etc. to Israel for surgery. They often arrive lethargic and quiet. This is partially because of culture shock but mainly because they are sick . It is amazing to see their personalities flourish just a week after surgery. Post op- the children run more, smile more and engage more. I have seen the before and I have seen the after. Looking at the subdued children in Tanzania was difficult yet hopeful - I know many of them will have a chance at a normal life, a longer life and I can't wait to meet them again in Israel. “

Ganz and Hacohen are dedicated to achieving the initiative’s goal of $1 million, which will save the lives of 100 children. The campaign’s progress can be viewed here: http://www.give2gether.com/projects/save-a-childs-heart/

SACH will be hosting an event at The Drake Hotel on September 21, 2011 called “Heart and Soul Un-Gala”. The same event last year raised over $320,000. This year’s event is already set to surpass that amount and will raise in excess of $400,000. Fore more information about this exciting event, please visit www.heartandsoulforsach.com.

Check out SACH’s website at saveachildsheart.org to find out more information about this unique organization and find out how you can help.