Bill Clinton wrote a touching letter to 8-year-old boy waiting years for a heart transplant

When you’re going through trying times, more than encouraging words, you want the support and hope from someone who has been through it and made it out. For 8-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann, who had been waiting for a heart transplant since 2018, things were no different, per PEOPLE. Surely, the little boy had his days when he lost hope, felt bleak, and like no one understood what he was going through. Amid all the support he received, the @donate4daithi campaign shared one letter from someone who had been through the trial before — former U.S. president, Bill Clinton. And he had some reassuring words to say. 

BBC News revealed that Dáithí was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome at birth. According to Mayo Clinic, the condition is a sort of heart defect where the left portion of the heart doesn’t grow and develop properly. As a result, the functioning is also affected, mainly with the blood pumping. The little boy has been on the waitlist for years. Due to the long wait, the family even decided to make serious efforts to change the laws. Their efforts led to the passing of the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill. Known as Dáithí's Law, it was finally passed mid-last year and increases the rate of potential donors unless they opt out, per another report from the outlet. 

Despite being in the wait, having had doubts, worries, and fright of his own, he braved it all to make a difference that can change not just his but the lives of many. Dáithí was then awarded the freedom of Belfast at the age of six and is reportedly the youngest to have received the honor, per Belfast City. He changed the transplant game but is still waiting for the right donor. Earlier this May, the former President sent him a letter with a personal sign and message to ensure he doesn’t lose hope in the fierce and courageous fight he started. The letter mentioned that the boy’s dad had written to share his young chap’s fine accomplishments. 

Mr. Clinton was beyond proud to acknowledge and reinforce them. “I’m so proud to share that honor with someone as amazing as you,” he said of Dáithí’s freedom of Belfast award. The former President, who has had a heart surgery himself, knew well the wait, the unprecedented uneasiness, and other feelings that come with clinging to courage. With a blockage of over 90% in 2004, Mr. Clinton had to undergo a quadruple bypass surgery at the age of 58, according to a previous report from PEOPLE. He highlighted how he resonated with the little boy. "As someone who’s had heart surgery myself, I know how scary it can be, and I’m so impressed by the bravery you’ve shown throughout your life," the letter read. 

The former President went on to mention that Dáithí and his family’s courage, determination, and selflessness to bring in the law have not gone unnoticed. "I’m also deeply inspired by the way you and your family have worked hard to make positive change across Northern Ireland. Our world would be better if there were more people like you!" The letter was concluded with best wishes from the former President. “Know that you have a big fan pulling for you in New York," he added. Singing the letter personally, Mr. Clinton also wrote, “Keep going!” And that's just what little Dáithí is doing. In a post, it was revealed that despite battling a flu and other worrisome complications, he is still standing strong with a smile, lighting up what this season calls for — Unwavering hope. 

You can follow @donate4daithi on Instagram for more updates on Dáithí's health and for content on positivity. 

More on Scoop Upworthy

Steve Jobs had the most brilliant response to a fan seeking his autograph in 1983 letter

Third graders write letters to God with some very important questions and they're adorably innocent

First grader writes wholesome letter requesting girls' jeans with 'real pockets', Old Navy responds