Every heartbeat marks a chapter in a child’s journey of growth. For children suffering from end-stage heart failure caused by various conditions, heart transplantation or ventricular assist device implantation offers a vital hope for extending their lives. However, the lengthy treatment process and substantial medical expenses can place a heavy burden on many families. To help more families overcome these challenges, the Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, together with Shanghai Yanhua Public Welfare Foundation, officially launched the “Children’s Heart Transplantation and Postoperative Charity Assistance Program” in July 2026.

Following the launch of the program, staff from Yanhua Public Welfare Foundation visited the Children’s Hospital to meet with the first group of children receiving assistance through the program. They also communicated with the medical team to learn more about the children’s treatment progress and recovery.

When we first entered the hospital, we passed by a young boy. Carrying a ventricular assist device, he walked briskly through the hospital lobby, looking no different from other children. It was only after entering the ward that we learned that the child we had just passed was Xiaofan, one of the children supported by the program.

Due to dilated cardiomyopathy, Xiaofan underwent ventricular assist device implantation surgery. Today, he is able to get out of bed and move around, gradually returning to his daily life.

Later, accompanied by the director of the Cardiac Center, staff from the foundation visited the intensive care unit to see another child supported by the program — Xiaojun. Diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure, Xiaojun underwent ventricular assist device implantation and is currently recovering in the intensive care unit. When he saw the visitors, Xiaojun, who was conscious and responsive, actively interacted with them, allowing everyone to witness his positive recovery progress.

For children with end-stage heart failure, successful surgery is only the beginning of a new journey. Postoperative follow-up care, rehabilitation treatment, and long-term medical expenses remain ongoing challenges faced by many families.

The launch of this program marks another step forward for Yanhua Public Welfare Foundation in supporting children with major illnesses, following its previous charitable assistance program for pediatric liver transplantation. In the future, the foundation will continue working together with the Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine to provide sustained support for more children in need of heart transplantation, ventricular assist device implantation, and postoperative treatment.

May every child have the opportunity to continue growing, and may every heart that strives to beat embrace a brighter future.

Translated by Harry chen，a Volunteer Coordinator