Faq’s
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I give to children over there? Children here need heart operations too.
- Do keep in mind that the poorest child in the United States has a tenfold advantage over a child in a developing nation. Please see the quote below by the President of Unicef:”I am awed by the sheer tenacity of the human spirit. What we want for our children is universal. It doesn’t matter what country you’re in, when a baby is born, whether it’s in a displaced persons camp, in the bush, in the city, in the ghetto. Everybody celebrates. There’s hope that that child’s life is going to be better than the one that preceded it”.By: Caryl M. Stern, President of Unicef.
- What do you charge each child’s family for their operation?
- There is never a charge to any of the families.
- What does it cost to perform each operation?
- Depending on the country, the distance we need to travel, and the size of the medical team required. The average cost is about $7,500 per operation.
- Is “Gift of Life International” a bonified Charity?
- Yes we are. We received our 501©(3) designation on July 23, 1999 and received our permanent designation 5 years later.
- How much of my donation is used in the performance of open heart surgery?
- It varies, anywhere from 95% to 97%.
- How are the children selected for heart surgery?
- We make every effort to operate on the most critically ill children, the local hospitals and medical professionals assists in that decision.
- How many surgeries have you completed in the last 5 years?
- 105 operations. Added to that, we have trained 3 pediatric heart surgeons who no longer need our assistance. Colombia has operated on more than 300 children since we completed our training.
- How much is your surgical team paid for performing each operation?
- They are paid nothing for the surgeries or the training performed. We do cover their travel, lodging and misc expenses.
- Can I set up a re-occurring donation?
- Yes you can. Just ask PayPal or your local bank or credit card agency.
- Is my donation tax deductible in the eyes of the IRS?
- Yes, as stated above, we are a 501©(3) charity.
- Do you have a minimum amount I can donate?
- No, any amount is appreciated.
- How do I make a donation in honor or memory of someone?
- Send us a note with your name and address and consider it done. You will receive a “Thank You” note. In addition, if you choose, we will provide the persons name on our Donation webpage.
- Do you accept securities, such as stock, mutual funds, etc. as donations?
- Yes, but always check with your financial advisor.
- Do you welcome donors and potential donors to go on a misson with you?
- Absolutely! We prefer you witness what we do with your donation.
If your question isn’t answered here or you have additional question, please Click Here to go to our “Contact Us” page and Submit your Question.