West Belfast boy Dáithí Mac Gabhann today reaches the milestone mark of 2,000 days on the heart transplant waiting list.
The seven-year-old, who helped inspire changes to Northern Ireland's organ donation laws, has been waiting for a transplant since 2018 after he was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Now 2,000 days on, the Mac Gabhann family have said that a transplant is Dáithí’s "only hope of survival".
"Although Dáithí is currently stable, we feel that time is still not on his side," said his father Máirtín.
The family said they are highlighting Dáithí's 2,000-day wait in a bid to illustrate the "extraordinary milestones" that have been achieved over the period, as well as continuing to raise awareness of their "critical goal" about normalising organ donation.
Since joining the waiting list, Dáithí's "indomitable spirit" has fuelled a remarkable campaign, Donate4Dáithí, which has raised awareness about organ donation and inspired people to join the cause.
The campaign has orchestrated transformative milestones that echo the resilience of little Dáithí.
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Dáithí Mac Gabhann in 'a stable condition' after his latest heart surgery in Newcastle
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Mural of toddler Dáithí Mac Gabhann unveiled in west Belfast for Organ Donation Week
Over 10% of the Northern Ireland population have responded to the call, joining the NHS Organ Donor Register and creating hope for all those waiting on the gift of life.
In June, the landmark organ donation legislation, Dáithí’s Law, came into effect, meaning that all adults will be considered potential organ donors unless they choose to opt out or are in an excluded group.
Dáithí was also bestowed with the title of Freeman of Belfast, symbolising not only his bravery, but also the resounding impact of the campaign on the people of the city.
But his father said while celebrating these victories, "the battle is far from over" as Dáithí awaits a new heart.
"Back in June of this year, our Dáithí was suspended from the transplant list, which broke our hearts," he said.
"Transplant is currently Dáithí’s only hope of survival and to have that taken away from us was devastating.
"Thankfully after ‘all or nothing’ surgery in July of the year, Dáithí is now back and active on the waiting list.
"This was a lesson to us of how fragile Dáithí’s condition can be, and how quickly circumstances can change for the worse.
"Although Dáithí is currently stable, we feel that time is still not on his side."
‼️HANDS IN THE AIR IF YOU’VE GOT BIG NEWS‼️ Dáithí has brought a little magic of hope home from Paris; with the news we’ve all been waiting for: Dáithí is BACK and ACTIVE on the transplant waiting list! #Hope #OrganDonation pic.twitter.com/VLIO9gnaOB — Donate4Dáithí (@Donate4Daithi) August 15, 2023
Mr Mac Gabhann said "in honour of Dáithí's 2,000 days on the heart transplant waiting list", the family's "call-to-action echoes louder than ever" as he urged people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.
He asked people to "share your decision and keep the flame of hope alive for Dáithí and others in need".
"Please take the two minutes and consider joining the NHS Organ Donor Register," he said.
"Encourage your family to sign up, regardless of age.
"Please don't give up on Dáithí and our campaign. While Dáithí's Law is in place, we must continue to take action.
"We are very proud that Dáithí’s Law is in place and saving lives, but as a society we can do more.
"No amount of money can save my son's life, but words and discussions can.
"Share your organ donation decision with loved ones, and let's work together to save more lives."
