It was during the routine 19 week scan that our world was rocked, we discovered that there was something amiss with our baby's heart. After what felt like an eternity it was confirmed that our precious baby had Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA). Due to abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, the large vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs, and to the body are improperly connected. Essentially, the connections in the heart are "switched".

Still in the throes of emotion, desperate to make sense of the situation and curious to know of other people's stories, the doctors recommended HeartKids Australia as a resource for information and support. 

I was flabbergasted by what I learned. Did you know...

• Eight babies are born with a heart defect in Australia every day. That is almost 3,000 every year!
• Childhood heart disease is one of the biggest killers of children under the age of one.
• Approx half of children diagnosed with heart disease require surgery to correct the defect.
• Each week more than four Australians pass away as a result of a congenital heart defect.
• It is estimated that 32,000 children (under 18 years of age) are currently living with CHD in Australia.

On 30th July 2015, Dylan Samuel came into the world naturally and screaming at Westmead Maternity. After a quick hello to his mum and dad he was whisked away by the team of 12 from Westmead Children's Hospital that were waiting for him in the delivery suite. He underwent a balloon atrial septostomy, a procedure that would keep him alive. After charming the NICU nurses for the next six days, Dylan underwent a six hour open heart surgery to correct the TGA and also the VSD that was found to be present. 

Six months later our little heart warrior is thriving! Beyond doubt he is one of the happiest smiliest babies you will have the pleasure of meeting. His joy is infectious. His heart has been fixed by the incredible surgeons and cardiologists and although progress will be monitored it is believed he will live a normal, active, healthy life. 

This Valentine's Day, Dave and I are helping to raise funds for HeartKids Australia who not only offer support to CHD families but are actively committed to ongoing research. So please think twice before spending $5 on a Hallmark Card, paying excessive amounts for a marked up dinner or a bouquet of roses (the average Australian spends $86 on Valentine's Day)....instead be a sweetheart and pledge a Valentine's amount to HeartKids!

Big Love,

Roisin, Dave and Dylan