You can make a difference for heart kids and their families
For families navigating childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD), the journey can be overwhelming and uncertain.
Your generosity can help HeartKids continue providing trusted information, support and connection, so families know they don’t have to face their heart journey alone.
Give a heart family the gift of support
Give a little comfort this festive season
Buy a HeartKids teddy bear and gift one to a heart kid diagnosed with childhood-onset heart disease.
Your thoughtful gift will bring comfort, cuddles and a little joy to a heart kid during a challenging time.
Why HeartKids?
Every day in Australia, 8 babies are born with a heart condition, and many more will acquire a heart condition during childhood.
Behind every diagnosis is a family facing an unexpected journey. Your generosity helps ensure they don’t have to face their journey alone.
For nearly 50 years, HeartKids has ensured that children, young people and their families impacted by childhood-onset heart disease are informed, connected and supported from hospital to home and across every stage of their unique journey.
Discover the power of your support
Meet some of the children and families behind our Festive Season Appeal, and discover how your generosity can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Meet Levi and his incredible heart journey
Three open-heart surgeries before turning one year old.
When Juliana welcomed her baby boy, Levi, into the world, she could never have imagined what the next few days would bring.
Just three days after he was born, Levi was unexpectedly diagnosed with a serious congenital heart condition. His family was told he needed to be urgently transferred to Queensland Children’s Hospital for life-saving open-heart surgery.
“Our journey as a family was very much a shock to the system…” — Juliana, Levi’s mum
What should have been a precious time getting to know their newborn quickly became a frightening journey filled with uncertainty, hospital stays and difficult decisions.
Levi was initially diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a complex congenital heart condition. By his first birthday, he had undergone three open-heart surgeries, including a complex procedure to repair his heart.
Through it all, Levi has shown remarkable resilience. Today, at five years old, he’s a bright, funny and energetic little boy whose personality lights up the room.
“The support HeartKids has given to our family, even in the toughest of times, has meant so much to us. From being there for our family and Levi in the hospital, to supporting us at home with monitoring supplies, cots, baths and staple foods to ensure a stress-free time in a stressful time. They have also supported Levi’s journey during his most recent stay, finding ways to make Levi’s hospital stay that little bit brighter.
We really couldn’t thank HeartKids enough and we know they would be there if we ever needed anymore support!” – Juliana, Levi’s Mum
Help provide invaluable support this festive season. Donate today.
Meet Jack: A journey of strength, hope and support
Open-heart surgery at six months old
For Nicole and her family, childhood heart disease was something they knew very little about. It wasn’t something they had ever imagined would become part of their lives.
Until their son Jack was born.
With no indication of any heart concerns during pregnancy, Jack’s diagnosis came as a complete surprise. He spent his first week of life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Canberra, undergoing scans and tests before doctors confirmed he had Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart condition.
The months that followed were filled with regular medical appointments, specialised care and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. At just six months old, Jack underwent open-heart surgery at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
Today, Jack is a healthy little boy, and his family is grateful for how far he has come. But Nicole knows just how overwhelming the journey can be, especially when you’re facing something you never saw coming.
“Some days feel heavy and dark. We had never heard of HeartKids or even kids with heart conditions until it arrived on our doorstep. We were offered ongoing support with HeartKids through our whole process, and that support is continued today. We know they’re here for our family if we need it.” — Nicole, Jack’s mum
Meet Waiaarangi: A little fighter with a big heart
Open-heart surgery at six months old
When little Waiaarangi became unwell during a family visit to New Zealand, her mum, Kayla, thought she was dealing with a respiratory infection. But a trip to hospital would change everything…
Doctors discovered a heart murmur, and further investigations revealed that Waiaarangi had serious heart defects that would require open-heart surgery. She was just five months old.
For Kayla, the news was overwhelming. What should have been a special time watching her baby grow was suddenly filled with fear, uncertainty and hospital appointments. Just weeks later, she received the call confirming her daughter’s surgery date.
“Once I got off that call, I cried and cried. I was scared of my baby having open-heart surgery, but I also knew she needed it.” — Kayla, Waiaarangi’s mum
At just six months old, Waiaarangi underwent open-heart surgery. Thankfully, it went smoothly and two and a half months later, Kayla was watching her little girl thrive, smiling, full of energy and learning new things every day.
But Waiaarangi’s heart journey isn’t over. Her family will continue navigating hospital appointments and ongoing care as she grows.
Through the uncertainty, knowing HeartKids was there made a difference.
“Having an organisation like HeartKids there to provide support and information has made such a big difference. We’re so grateful to know there is a community there for us.” — Kayla, Waiaarangi’s mum
