Ablakew is an 11-month year-old boy from Ethiopia. He was admitted to the Wolfson Medical Centre in September 2018 through Save a Child’s Heart for life saving surgery. When Ablakew was six months old his parents were told that he would die unless he underwent open heart surgery to repair his congenital heart disease.

Congenital heart disease is a type of defect or malformation in one or more structures of the heart or blood vessels that occurs before birth. Congenital heart disease is responsible for more deaths in the first year of life than any other birth defect.

Back in Ethiopia, Ablakew lives in the heavily populated area of Hawassa where there is no paediatric cardiologist. His mother had to travel 250km using public transportation every two weeks to be examined by doctors in the capital city Addis Abba. Stricken with grief, his parents began to search for help and Ablakew was referred to Save a Child's Heart having received a donation from Jane Clement through the House of Destiny.

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On September 24, 2018, Ablakew underwent life-saving heart surgery in Israel. Whilst recovering from his heart surgery doctors discovered a kidney malformation which needed immediate attention. Doctors from the Wolfson Mecial Centre and Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv performed another surgery to save his life. Ablakew and the team around him fought bravely and he made a remarkable recovery.

Alongside his mother, a now happy and playful Ablakew are embarking on their journey home to Ethiopia where they will be reunited with their family. Whilst packing, his mother spoke of her boundless happiness and appreciation for Save a Child’s Heart. We are excited for Ablakew to receive a second chance at life.

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