The first successful heart transplant for a pediatric patient in Lebanon was performed on a five year child at the American University of Beirut Medical Center on June 14. The child was “successfully taken off the breathing machine. The child, in good condition, smiled at his mother, held her arm, and asked for a cup of water”. The surgery was led by Dr. Issam El Rassi, Chief of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery at CHC in addition to a team of pediatric cardiologists, pediatric intensivists, and cardiac anesthesiologists.

Of course what made this surgery possible was the donor’s family, who offered the heart of their beloved dying child as a gift. All the respect to them.

The expenses of the operation and treatment are being supported by the Ministry of Public Health, Brave Heart Fund (BHF), and AUBMC Administration. [Source]