Fundraising Urgent: Israeli Child Fitted with Artificial Heart Needs Imminent Lifesaving Operation
Refael ben Hodaya, a young boy living in central Israel, is in critical condition and urgently needs a heart transplant. Born with holes in his heart, Refael has been battling a severe medical condition for most of his life.
Six months ago, Refael was attacked by a virus that significantly affected his heart. After undergoing open-heart surgery as a few-month-old baby and surviving, Refael was recently connected to an ECMO machine, which took over the work of his failing heart and lungs. However, the ECMO machine is not a long-term solution, and the Berlin Heart, an artificial heart currently circulating blood through Refael's small body, is only a temporary measure.
Specialists believe that Refael's best chance of survival lies in Houston, Texas, due to the larger population pool in the United States. Generous donors who contribute to the lifesaving donation for Refael can help bring him to Houston, where the chance of finding a suitable donor heart is significantly higher.
Refael has been added to Israel's transplant waiting list, but finding a child-sized donor heart in Israel's population is rare, and the wait could exceed the available time. The only thing that can save Refael is the transplant.
Refael's family, who are raising six children, is seeking public help to fund the lifesaving transplant. Hodaya, Refael's mother, stated that every day that passes puts Refael in more danger. Supporters are asking the public to donate generously for Refael's transplant.
The estimated cost of emergency transport, transplant surgery, and recovery in the U.S. for Refael is $120,000. An urgent appeal for donations has been launched to save Refael's life. Prayers are being sought for the recovery of Refael ben Hodaya.
The family appreciates any help and support during this difficult time. For more information or to donate, please visit [website link].
