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Father's perilous sea journey saves son's life
30 Mar
Summary
- Father risked everything to reach Cyprus for son's life-saving kidney transplant.
- A week adrift at sea tested father and son's survival skills.
- International cooperation facilitated the critical transplant in Athens.
Abdulaziz Aldarwish, a Syrian construction worker, faced a desperate situation when his young son Yahia's kidneys failed. Unable to afford the monthly dialysis fees of 1,200 euros in Lebanon, and with the public healthcare system in near collapse, Aldarwish pooled 5,000 euros to transport himself and his son to Cyprus.
Their journey was fraught with peril; they were adrift for a week in rough seas before being rescued by a merchant vessel. Upon arrival in Cyprus, they learned that Greece was resuming kidney transplants for children. Greek and Cypriot authorities facilitated their transfer to Athens.
In January 2026, Yahia, now 10, received a new kidney from his father in a groundbreaking transplant at the Onassis National Transplant Center. This success highlights the power of international medical cooperation, offering Yahia a second chance at life and fulfilling his dreams of rejoining classmates and opening a supermarket.
