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"a million reasons to dance"
Rotary’s Gift of Life: A Celebration of Hope and Healing
Every child deserves a chance to live a healthy, vibrant life—yet for many children around the globe, congenital heart defects stand in the way of that dream. The Rotary’s “Gift of Life” initiative exists to change this reality. By funding and arranging life-saving cardiac surgeries, follow-up care, and essential medical support, Gift of Life not only saves the lives of children but also uplifts families and communities, offering them renewed hope for the future.
About
Rotary’s Gift of Life
This program embodies the very heart of Rotary’s mission: Service Above Self. Through the combined efforts of caring volunteers, generous donors, and skilled medical teams, Gift of Life makes the impossible possible. Each surgery is a testament to compassion in action, bridging the gap between those in need and those who have the power to help.
A Second Chance at Life
The History
The Gift of Life program began in 1975 when the Rotary Club of Manhasset, New York, responded to a plea from the Rotary Club of Kampala, Uganda, to help five-year-old Grace Agwaru, who was suffering from a congenital heart defect. Grace was brought to St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, NY, where she underwent a successful four-hour open-heart surgery on November 15, 1974. This act of compassion sparked a global movement, leading to the formation of Gift of Life International in 2003. Since its inception, the program has provided lifesaving cardiac treatment to over 51,500 children from 80 countries across five continents. The success of this initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Rotarians, medical professionals, donors, and volunteers worldwide, all united by the mission to heal little hearts and offer children a second chance at life.
Note: While this program page is hosted through the Boots & Bourbon platform, it was generously donated for use during tonight’s Gift of Life event. This page is dedicated exclusively to the event and is not affiliated with the Boots & Bourbon brand or business. We are grateful for their support in making this evening possible.