Salim Hasanli traveled from Azerbaijan to St. Francis Hospital, arriving on August 24, 2024. His heart surgery was planned to be performed by Dr. Sean Luvchuck on September 4, 2024, to address his congenital heart condition, but it has been postponed to October due to dental-related issues that need to be resolved before surgery can begin.
Brilliant Phillipah arrived from Uganda on August 27, 2024, to receive life-saving heart surgery at St. Francis Hospital, under the care of Dr. Sean Luvchuck. Her procedure took place on September 4, 2024, giving her a new chance at life. Through the Gift of Life program, children like Brilliant are able to access the medical care they need but would otherwise be unable to receive.
Jaylen arrived from Belize for a heart procedure at St. Francis Hospital on June 5, 2024. With Dr. Sean Luvchuck overseeing the surgery, Jaylen’s life was transformed through the Gift of Life program. His journey to health reflects the program’s commitment to helping children in need.
Alismendy’s story is not only about his heart surgery, performed on March 6, 2024, at St. Francis Hospital by Dr. Sean Luvchuck, but also about resilience. Due to gang violence in Haiti, he and his mother were unable to return home immediately. Thanks to volunteer Gladys, they stayed safely in New York until June. Alismendy even attended school in Queens, where Haitian teachers welcomed him with open arms.
Keina, also from Haiti, received vital heart care at St. Francis Hospital under the skilled hands of Dr. Sean Luvchuck. Her life-saving surgery is part of Gift of Life’s ongoing mission to provide medical care to children who would not otherwise have access to such services.
Noelanie, affectionately known as “Lilly,” came from Haiti for heart surgery at St. Francis Hospital. Under the care of Dr. Sean Luvchuck, her procedure on February 7, 2024, was a success. Lilly’s story is a testament to how the Gift of Life program brings hope and healing to children from all corners of the world.
On January 3, 2024, Shania Richardson from Guyana underwent life-saving cardiac surgery at St. Francis Hospital. Under the skilled care of Dr. Sean Luvchuck, Shania’s heart condition was successfully treated, giving her a renewed chance to live a healthy life.
Jennifer “Jenny” Cal from Belize arrived at Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center on September 22, 2023. Her heart surgery, performed on October 12, 2023, by Dr. Konstantin Averin, was successful. Like Natasha, Jenny experienced Halloween for the first time, dressing up and trick-or-treating with Cindy Messineo, Dylan Hawxhurst, and Paige Kapoosuzian, marking a joyful moment during her recovery.
Natasha Castello came from Guyana for her heart procedure at St. Francis Hospital on November 1, 2023, with Dr. Sean Luvchuck. During her stay, she bonded with fellow patient Jennifer Cal, and the two experienced Halloween for the first time. They dressed up and went trick-or-treating with volunteers Cindy Messineo, Dylan Hawxhurst, and Paige Kapoosuzian, creating beautiful memories.
Pictured are Symphany Arnold, a recent recipient of life-saving heart surgery, and Amy Aiosa, a board member of the Gift of Life, Inc.