What is
Childhood-onset Heart Disease (CoHD)?
Childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) is the collective term for the spectrum of heart conditions that affect the heart’s ability to work efficiently.
Heart defects and conditions experienced from birth are known as Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD). Acquired Heart Disease refers to conditions that arise later in childhood, commonly as a result of infections or exposures.
Condition Types
Aortic Valve Disease
Atrial Septal Defect
Atrio-ventricular Septal Defect (AVSD)
Cardiomyopathy
Coarctation of the Aorta
Cyanotic Congenital disease
Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS)
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HlHS)
Mitral Valve Disease
Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Pulmonary Atresia
Pulmonary Valve Disease
Single Ventricle Pathology
Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF)
Pulmonary Stenosis
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
What We Do
HeartKids is the only Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and advocating for families impacted by childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD).
Our Support
We bring care and connection to those living with CoHD. As your CoHD companion for life, HeartKids makes holistic care possible with access to tailored information, resources, and support.
Our Impact
HeartKids provides much-needed quality services, support and solutions to more than 80,000 Australian children, teenagers and adults affected by CoHD.
Our Resources
HeartKids provides trusted information and resources about CoHD. Our resource library is a one-stop-shop for all our CoHD resources, including fact sheets, podcasts, videos and more.
How You Can Help
Give to HeartKids
Your heartfelt gift will bring hope and transformation to over 80,000 Australians living with CoHD, and much-needed support to hundreds of families coping with the grief and loss of their child. Discover the ways to give and get involved today.
Community Fundraising
Find your passion and get involved in making a lasting difference in the lives of those impacted by CoHD. Discover our engaging community programs today.Â
Get Your Work Involved
Discover how to get your workplace involved in transforming the lives of those living with CoHD today.Â
Volunteer With Us
We greatly appreciate the gift of your time as we unite to support those living with CoHD. Explore the many ways you can volunteer with HeartKids. Â
Latest News and Stories
Strong Hearts Strong Mob
2024 will see the development and delivery of initiatives that support and commits HeartKids to being an inclusive workplace, embrace working across diverse cultures nationally, act on true reconciliation and create and maintain strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities. HeartKids is developing its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and […]...
Good luck Hayley Raso | HeartKids Ambassador
Wishing ambassador Hayley Raso the best of luck as she plays for the Matilda’s in the 2024 Paris Olympics! The Matildas will play their first match on July 26 at 3am AEST. They will kick things off versing Germany, who are currently ranked fifth in the world. Their second game will be against Zambia on […]...
The Spencer Family Story | Remembering Nash
Content Warning: This video addresses themes of child illness, surgeries, and loss. In this touching video, the Spencer family honors and remembers their son Nash. They share their journey through surgeries and their eventual loss, supported by the compassionate care and unwavering support of HeartKids....
2025 Perth Gala Ball – Save the Date!
We are delighted to share that the 2024 Gala Ball was an incredible success, with over 700 attendees coming together to support HeartKids. It was an evening filled with generosity and hope. Mark your calendars! Our signature event returns to the Crown Ballroom on Saturday, 24th May 2025. Don’t miss out on what promises to […]...
Brave Anishka | A HeartKid’s Story of Inspiration
At the age of 13, Anishka, who had always been a healthy and cheerful child, began experiencing tiredness and a lack of energy. Despite undergoing medication and iron supplements for over a year, her complaints persisted. In January 2023, a chest X-ray and an MRI confirmed her diagnosis of ASD. In July 2023, Anishka underwent […]...
Celebrating Heroes: HeartKids Remarkable Campaign of Support and Impact
Hero for HeartKids has once again shattered expectations this year, rallying support from over 300 fundraisers nationwide. These dedicated individuals and groups have gone above and beyond to raise crucial funds and awareness for HeartKids’ mission. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Drakes Supermarkets for surpassing their $1,000,000 partnership milestone, and to Supercheap Auto […]...
HeartKids Secures $1 Million State Government Funding to Enhance Support Services
In a landmark event at Parliament House in Adelaide, HeartKids CEO Marcus Sandmann and the dedicated HeartKids team were honored guests of South Australia’s Health and Wellbeing Minister, Chris Picton. The visit celebrated a significant contribution from the SA government, amounting to $1 million over four years, aimed at enhancing vital support services since 2022. […]...
Heartkids are thrilled to partner with Mitsubishi for their Winter Cash Bonus program
HeartKids partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air Conditioning is running a winter promotion from 1 May 2024 to 31 August 2024, customers who purchase an eligible MHI product will be receiving a $500 cashback claim with MHIAA donating $25 per claim to HeartKids Australia General Manager of Sales, Mr. Graham Hamilton highlights that through this Cash Bonus […]...
Health Professional Education Platform: New Modules Released
New neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive care modules for healthcare professionals HeartKids are excited to announce the release of new learning modules to support neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive care for patients and families living with CoHD. Our learning modules designed for healthcare professionals include helpful care pathways along with useful Australian specific patient and family supports and resources. […]...
Media Release: Heroes Assemble Across Australia
Heroes Assemble Across Australia to Support Seriously Sick Kids 6 June 2024 Heroes are assembling in a nationwide push to raise awareness and vital funds for childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD), as HeartKids encourages Australians to dress up, donate, and channel their inner superhero on Friday 14th June in the annual fundraising campaign, Hero for HeartKids. […]...
