Miracle Nkanda, a 9-year-old girl from Jamali Village in Zomba, Malawi, has become the 9,000th child treated by Save a Child's Heart. She was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex congenital heart condition, at the age of three. Her condition made everyday activities like playing with friends, fetching water, or eating properly a struggle. Miracle's mother, Moreen Kazembe, watched helplessly as her daughter battled the condition, with repeated hospital visits interrupting her childhood.
Miracle's treatment was carried out at the Sylvan Adams Children's Hospital at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel. This milestone marks a significant moment in Save a Child's Heart's 30-year history. The organisation provides life-saving cardiac care to children from developing countries. Miracle was accompanied by Nurse Faith Banda from Malawi, who felt a big responsibility in caring for her during the journey.
Miracle's surgery was successful, and she is now recovering. Dr. Lior Sasson, part of the medical team that conducted her surgery, expressed happiness at the success of the operation. He wanted to celebrate the milestone with Miracle as part of Save a Child's Heart's 30th anniversary celebrations in memory of its founder, Ami Cohen. The achievement reflects the efforts of an entire medical team dedicated to saving children's lives.
Miracle is now able to do what children do best - play, laugh, sing, and make friends. Her experience in Israel has given her memories far removed from the hospital struggles of her childhood. She described Save a Child's Heart as a "very fun place" with toys and nice people. However, she still misses home. Miracle has been inspired by the medical professionals who helped repair her heart and wants to become a nurse.
Save a Child's Heart was founded in 1995 at Wolfson Medical Center in Holon. The organisation has treated children from 62 countries, including Malawi, which became the 62nd country reached in 2019. Since then, 22 Malawian children have been brought to Israel for life-saving treatment. The organisation works closely with Dr. Yamikani Chimalizeni, a paediatric cardiologist at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.
Save a Child's Heart has also trained more than 170 healthcare professionals from around the world. While most children have been treated in Israel, the organisation also supports overseas programs, training local teams and conducting international medical missions. The longer-term ambition is to strengthen paediatric cardiac services in Malawi and eventually establish a paediatric cardiac Centre of Excellence.
Miracle's story is intertwined with her faith and the music she loves. She draws inspiration from a song by Malawian gospel artist Miracle Chinga, whose message of purpose, blessing, and hope resonates deeply with her own journey. With her newfound health, Miracle can look forward to a different future, including progressing in her education and pursuing her dreams.
Key points
- Miracle Nkanda, a 9-year-old Malawian girl, has become the 9,000th child treated by Save a Child's Heart.
- Save a Child's Heart has treated children from 62 countries, including Malawi, which became the 62nd country reached in 2019.
- The organisation has trained more than 170 healthcare professionals from around the world and supports overseas programs to strengthen paediatric cardiac services.
