The glittering lights that line the shopping villages and streets of Jamaica are vivid reminders that we are in the throes of the Christmas season.

They're like a big sign saying, "Hey, it's Christmas, the season of giving!"

But what does that mean?

Beyond the glittering lights, UK-based children's cardiac charity, Chain of Hope visited Jamaica in November 2023 and reminded us of the true meaning of this season.

Through its remarkable work with the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC) in Kingston, Chain of Hope, for two decades, has been extending a helping hand to Jamaican children suffering from life-threatening heart disease.

Led by world-renowned heart transplant surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, this charity has made over 70 missions to Jamaica.

in its 20th mission, led by Professor Victor Tsang, Chain of Hope showcased a commitment to providing life-saving surgeries for children in need.




A legacy of heart-giving

Sister Nurse White at BHC commented, “When Professor Yacoub and the team came in 2003 we knew nothing about cardiac, but their nurses over the years helped teach us and train us and we’ve only had good experiences with the Chain of Hope team.”




Beyond the festive Christmas season


In 2010, Chain of Hope signed an MOU with the government of Jamaica and other partner charities to develop a well-needed cardiac unit at the Bustamante Hospital for Children. 

After a lot of effort in fundraising by COH, Gift of Life, the Shaggy and Friends Foundation, and many others, the first-ever dedicated pediatric Cardiac Unit was opened at BHC in November 2017.

This well-needed facility is equipped with a new Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, a BI-plane Cardiac Catheterization laboratory, and a cardiac operating theatre.




Rediscover the true meaning of "season of giving"

Let Chain of Hope's remarkable journey in Jamaica inspire you to embrace the authentic spirit of giving this season.

Spend some time extending genuine generosity that will make a lasting impact in the lives of those in need.