About Gift of Life International
In 1975, the Rotarians of Kampala, Uganda
issued a plea heard by the Manhasset New
York Rotary Club. Five-year old Grace Agwaru
had a life threatening heart condition that was
virtually untreatable in her home country. After
a 5,000-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean
to a hospital in Long Island, NY, Grace received
the necessary medical treatment to live a long
and healthy life.
Today, more than 30 years later, Gift of Life International,
with the support of Rotary Clubs worldwide continues to pair
doctors, hospitals, and children with life-threatening heart
conditions to give these children and their families a second chance at life.
Children in industrialized nations are often
diagnosed and treated early, simply because
they have the access to modern health care.
Children in third world countries do not have
the same advantages and often die very young
simply because they cannot afford or access
appropriate medical facilities. Crossing ethnic,
racial, religious, cultural, and international
borders to offer life to those who are the most
vulnerable to health-related issues promotes global understanding, tolerance,
and peace.
How Gift of Life Works
Children are identified with cardiac-related or similar health problems in their home countries.
Originally, the children were flown to the United States where a volunteer team of medical professionals would perform the necessary life-saving surgery.
In the 30 years that Gift of Life has been growing worldwide, affiliate hospitals, medical centers, and health
professionals have been established in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, reducing the need for extensive travel
for our children and their families. To date, our generous benefactors and volunteers have saved the lives of more than 9,000 children.
