Gift of Life is a program begun in 1974 by
several American Districts of Rotary International. Since then some 6000
children from more than 36 countries have received cardiovascular life
saving operations in the United States. In 1986, District Governor
Arthur Scialla and other Rotarians, began the program in Northern N.J.
and founded the Rotary International District 7490 Gift of Life
Foundation. Currently, over 375 children have been hosted by our
District for life saving heart surgery.
Children who come to the United States with heart defects are usually
referred by physicians or participating groups in their home country to
Rotary District Gift of Life Foundation who forward their medical
information to participating hospitals. Doctors and hospitals receive a
nominal fee of $6000 for the valuable services they render. After cases
are approved for surgery by attending physicians, they are assigned to
local Rotary Clubs, Interact Clubs or auxiliary organizations. They in
turn provide any additional funds for medical care (prescriptions, etc)
and host the child with a parent while they are in this county. The
monies needed to finance the program are raised by the Foundation or
individual Rotary Clubs. |
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