Yusuffali’s gesture brings Eid joy to patients

On Eid Al-Fitr, the UAE-based entrepreneur dedicated some time to engage with the beneficiaries of the Golden Heart Initiative established in his honor

Abu Dhabi/Kochi: This Eid Al-Fitr has been an unforgettable one for some of the beneficiaries of the Golden Heart Initiative. On Wednesday, they had the rare privilege of interacting with the renowned business tycoon M.A. Yusuffali, who spent a few precious moments connecting with them on the special occasion.

Earlier in the morning, Mr. Yusuffali paid a visit to the UAE’s leadership to extend his Eid greetings to them. Despite his demanding schedule, in the afternoon, over a virtual interaction, Mr. Yusuffali reached out to over 20 parents and their children, whose lives had been forever changed by the life-saving surgeries they underwent for congenital heart disease.

The Golden Heart Initiative, envisioned by Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, a healthcare visionary and the Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, was announced in January as a tribute to mark Mr. Yusuffali’s 50 years in the UAE. This initiative, which provided 50 free heart surgeries, offered a ray of hope to children from conflict zones and underprivileged backgrounds around the globe. On the eve of Eid, a significant milestone was reached as it was announced that all 50 surgeries had been successfully completed under this initiative. Apart from beneficiaries from different states of India, the recipients also hailed from countries like Senegal, Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt.

During the heartfelt virtual call, Mr. Yusuffali’s joy was palpable as he expressed his happiness at seeing the children healthy and thriving.

“I believe that in doing good deeds, one receives goodness in return. We would like nothing in return, only your prayers for my family and me,” he humbly remarked.

During the call, Mr. Yusuffali also extended his appreciation to Dr. Shamsheer, whom he affectionately refers to as his “first son”.

“Even as we speak, 50 surgeries have been completed in my name for underprivileged children around the world. Knowing that this goodness is being spread brings me immense joy and satisfaction,” he said, touched by the initiative’s impact on the lives of these children and their families. He expressed his wish for these children to grow into valuable members of their families, society, and the country.

Among the beneficiaries participating in the interaction was Rishad, a 15-year-old football enthusiast from Calicut, Kerala, whose love for the sport was momentarily paused by unexpected chest pain just before an important board exam. Diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, Rishad faced potential complications until timely intervention through the Golden Heart Initiative. His successful surgery, facilitated by the initiative, not only saved his life but also set him on the path to recovery.

Rishad’s father, a fisherman grappling with financial hardships, expressed immense gratitude for the initiative. “We didn’t have the means to cover the expenses. This support came as a life-saving aid for my son,” said Mr. Rasik, Rishad’s father. Mr. Yusuffali, in turn, blessed Rishad, envisioning a bright future for him akin to football legend Messi.

Three-year-old Adrian’s mother also extended her heartfelt thanks to Mr. Yusuffali.

She expressed how difficult it had been for their family to gather the necessary funds for Adrian’s surgery. Running a humble tea shop in Marthandam, Tamil Nadu, they faced financial constraints that seemed insurmountable. “Thank you to both Dr. Shamsheer and Mr. Yusuffali for this free surgery,” she said.

In the embrace of the generosity of this family, Rishad, Adrian, and the other children have found not only healing but also renewed hope for their futures.