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HeartKids Festive Appeal
This Christmas help heart kids and their families
Every day in Australia, 8 families welcome a baby who will need lifelong care for childhood-onset heart disease. Your donation helps give children and families the care, guidance and hope they need.
Heart Kid Vinnie
Open-heart surgery at just 12 days old
“We knew we had a strong little fighter, but seeing Vinnie open his eyes for the first time after surgery is one of the most inspirational moments of this journey. I could tell he knew us, he knew who he was, and he wanted his place in the world.” – Emily, Vinnie’s mum.
Vinnie was just one week old when he was diagnosed with severe coarctation of the aorta and a very large ventricular septal defect. Within days of his diagnosis, Vinnie underwent open-heart surgery. The procedure was a success and his defects were repaired. But the weeks that followed brought further hurdles, including fluid build-up around his heart, vocal cord palsy, and the slow, anxious wait to see how his body would recover.
HeartKids provided quiet, steady care when Vinnie’s parents felt lost – food when meals were forgotten, gentle conversations, and a reminder that they were not alone. Today, Vinnie is home, smiling and thriving after a brave recovery.
Together, we can help more children like Vinnie and their families navigate childhood-onset heart disease with the support, care and guidance they need.
Help provide invaluable support this festive season. Donate today.
Heart Kid Lachlan with twin brother Xander
Twin babies separated across states
When Rebecca and Ryan welcomed their twin boys, Lachlan and Xander, at just 33 weeks, they imagined the joyful challenges of early parenthood. Within days, that joy turned to fear when Lachlan began struggling breathe.
“When the doctor came and told us the news, our hearts sank and the emotions were overwhelming. It is too hard to find the words to describe how we felt as new parents,” – Ryan, Lachlan’s and Xander’s dad.
At just ten days old, Lachlan was diagnosed with a coarctation of the aortic valve and a bicuspid valve, requiring emergency surgery far from home. Separated across states, Lachan’s family faced weeks of fear and uncertainty until HeartKids stepped in with daily check-ins, food vouchers and emotional support.
Together, we can help more children like Lachlan and their families navigate childhood-onset heart disease with the support, care and guidance they need.
Your gift brings comfort and connection this Christmas.
Heart Kid Arlo
5 surgeries before 5
“Five years ago, our lives changed forever when a beautiful, broken-hearted boy named Arlo was born into this world. Since then, Arlo has required five major heart surgeries just to be here with us today. As a family, we’ve uprooted our lives and relocated to Melbourne to give him the very best chance of survival,” – Tayla, Arlo’s mum.
Through every operation and hospital stay, HeartKids was there with check-ins, meals and connection when the days felt overwhelming. Today, Arlo is thriving, a cheeky, curious five-year-old who proudly says, “I like my scar the best.”
Together, we can help more children like Arlo and their families navigate childhood-onset heart disease with the support, care and guidance they need.
Help provide long term support this festive season. Donate today.
8 babies are born with childhood onset heart disease every week.
$50
Pantry items for parents and families while in the hospital.
$95
Can provide a hospital morning tea for families in the hospital.
$250
Helps families during times of hardship with emergency support for groceries, accommodation, and other essential needs.
$500
Provides financial assistance for bereavement when families are at their most vulnerable.
