Bill Clinton Sends Handwritten Note to Brave Young Boy Awaiting Organ Donation

Belfast, Northern Ireland — Eight-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann is confronting a challenge no child should ever face. Recently, he received an unexpected letter of encouragement from former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The handwritten message simply said, ‘keep going.’

Clinton shares the title of Freeman of Belfast with Dáithí and expressed pride in the young boy. In recent weeks, the Mac Gabhann family also received a powerful letter from Senator George Mitchell, an architect of the Good Friday Agreement.

In his letter, Clinton remarked, ‘I’m so proud to share that honour with someone as amazing as you. As someone who’s had challenges, I know how scary it can be. I’m so impressed by the bravery you’ve shown throughout your life. Our world would be better if there were more people like you.’

The message has deeply moved the Mac Gabhann family, especially during a week that included an emotional cardiac catheter procedure for Dáithí in Newcastle. Despite the challenges, the family expressed their gratitude.

Dáithí’s father, Máirtín, who also received a personal note from Clinton, said, ‘Knowing that people think of us and Dáithí has always meant the world. We never imagined Dáithí would still be waiting after seven years, but we are, and we’re asking people not to turn away.’

June 1 marks a significant date in Northern Ireland, as it coincides with a new law that changed organ donation practices by introducing a soft opt-out system. This change was part of a campaign led by Dáithí and his family.

However, Máirtín emphasized that the work is far from finished. ‘The law was a huge step, but organ donation still needs people,’ he noted. ‘It needs you to join the register and to have the conversation with your loved ones. That’s what makes the system work. The truth is, keeping momentum going seven years in is hard.’

The Mac Gabhann family is marking this moment quietly, focusing on reflection rather than celebration. They invite people across Northern Ireland and the UK to join the Organ Donor Register, share their decisions with family, and keep spreading the message.

‘Because there are many people, including children, waiting in hope. And one of them is Dáithí,’ they added.