A night to remember at the Stadio Maradona
Kids Operating Room CEO David Cunningham was at the Stadio Maradona for the event, and spoke about what the night means for the wider programme:
"It means a huge amount to Kids Operating Room to be the beneficiary of this event. Our work all around the world is hugely impactful - more than a thousand children a day access care in one of our facilities. But to be able to take that to children who so desperately need it, in Palestine - we're very proud of that."
The next focus of the West Bank programme is the installation of a paediatric operating room at Beit Jala Hospital in Bethlehem, where local surgical teams are ready to operate.
"We're working in Bethlehem because that's where we've identified as the next priority in the West Bank," David said. "We've already developed a project in Hebron. We're now developing a project here in Bethlehem. And next, we'll be looking to build a facility in Jericho. As we continue to work throughout Palestine, and indeed the Middle East, we're looking to make sure we reach every single child who needs us."
At Beit Jala Hospital, paediatric surgeons currently operate on children using equipment designed for adult patients. Operating tables are too large. Anaesthesia machines are not built for children. Essential tools — including paediatric laparoscopes and cystoscopes — are unavailable.
Dr Feras, a paediatric surgeon at the hospital, told Kids Operating Room ahead of the match:
"The concept of a dedicated paediatric operating room doesn't exist here. It would ease the suffering of the children of Bethlehem."
A permanent, fully equipped operating room would transform care for thousands of children across the region — for years to come.
For everyone who turned out at the Stadio Maradona, for the players of both sides, for the organisers — Saxsum eventi, AG events, AICS - and for every supporter who gave from home, Kids Operating Room is deeply grateful.
"Every child deserves access to care," David said. "It doesn't matter where they're born. It doesn't matter where they live. Our mission is to get to those children and give them the care they need."
