Former U.S. President Bill Clinton just made a little boy in Belfast feel like a big deal.
Clinton penned a warm letter to seven-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann—yes, that Dáithí—the boy who’s spent nearly his entire life waiting for a new heart and still manages to inspire a nation.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, Clinton told the young campaigner: “Our world would be better if there were more people like you.” And honestly, we couldn’t agree more.
The former president, who also received the Freedom of the City of Belfast back in 2018, said he was honored to share the title with Dáithí. The letter arrived just days before the anniversary of the boy’s long wait for a heart—June 1 marks seven years and counting.
Clinton wrote, “I want to send my best wishes to you and your family… you are an amazing young man, and I’m proud to share the Freedom of the City of Belfast with you.”
Dáithí’s dad, Máirtín Mac Gabhann, said the message came at just the right moment. “We’re in reflective mode. Sunday is the seventh anniversary of Dáithí being placed on the list. This gave us such a boost,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Dáithí became the face of a major organ donation campaign. His tireless activism helped push “Dáithí’s Law” into reality—a shift to an opt-out organ donation system in Northern Ireland.
And now, with a letter from a former world leader in hand, the young champion has yet another reminder that his voice is being heard far and wide.
“President Clinton took time out of his day to acknowledge the work Dáithí has done,” said his father. “That’s something special.”
It’s not every day a seven-year-old gets a letter from a president—but when you’re Dáithí Mac Gabhann, changing laws and hearts, nothing seems out of reach.