THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 19, 2026 Page 3 His best Father’s Day ever Saugus dad said his 6-year-old daughter inspired him to remain hopeful last fall as he waited for a new heart By Mark E. Vogler F ather’s Day has always been a special occasion for Sabbir Sakib, who celebrated his 25th birthday six years ago with his wife giving birth to a baby girl. But the day will be even more meaningful this weekend for the 31-year-old Saugus dad, who has gotten a second chance at life, having undergone a heart transplant last fall. “It was a difficult time – it was very hard on me and for the family,” Sakib recalled of the more than two months he spent in Massachusetts General Hospital waiting for a new heart. “At times I got thinking, ‘Am I going to make it or not?’ But Sabrin, my little girl, helped me a lot. She inspired me to get through. I kept telling myself, I need to live for her,” he said. “During the time I was there A DAY WORTH CELEBRATING: Sabbir Sakib (right) has a fresh outlook on life and a new heart as he looks forward to Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21). Joining him in the living room of their Saugus home are his wife, Sadia Binta Jamil, and their daughter, Sabrin, 6. (Saugus Advocate Photo by Mark E. Vogler) waiting for the transplant, she would go to the hospital almost every single day. She would hold my hand and would say ‘Baba, nothing will happen to you. You’ll be going home soon.’ And she would tell my wife, ‘Don’t cry, dad will be home soon.’ Sabrin was there to show her love and support,” he said. For some additional inspiration, Sakib would look at his cell phone case where he kept a little “I love you” note that Sabrin had made for her dad on Father’s Day last year. “Last Father’s Day was norFATHER’S DAY | SEE PAGE 5 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
4 Publizr Home