My beautiful niece Ruby May Fisher was diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect called transposition of the great arteries (TGA).  It means that the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed, therefore changing the way the blood circulates through the body and leaving a shortage of oxygenated blood.  This is the exact opposite of the normal heart’s anatomy.

The day she was born, Ruby was rushed to Alder Hey hospital and taken straight to theatre for an emergency operation for doctors to create a hole in her heart.  She was extremely poorly and doctors fought all night to stabilise her - thankfully they were successful.  However, due to consistently low oxygen saturations, she suffered extensive damage to her brain meaning she also had cerebral palsy.  

When Ruby was 26 days old she had her first open heart surgery and unfortunately had a very stormy recovery; she had many infections to her wound and suffered from renal failure which she received treatment for.  She spent a total of 2 months in Alder Hey before she was able to go home.  

At home she received around the clock medication and had regular physiotherapy, portage and occupational therapy to help with her development.

She underwent further open heart surgery when she was 16 months old with an operation 9 days later to fit a pacemaker. She also had various procedures done via catheter meaning she had a whopping 9 trips to theatre in total.

Unfortunately Ruby had an underlying condition called pulmonary hypertension which couldn't be treated and she passed away aged 17 months old on the 17th September 2013.

Ruby was such a happy and contented little girl and never complained once. She really was amazing and such a fighter, she is a true inspiration and very much loved by all.

Without the help from Alder Hey Hospital, we would have lost Ruby the day she was born. They gave us the most amazing 17 months with her and we can't put it into words how grateful we are for everything they have done for our family. Naturally we want to help them in any way we can.

They are currently in the process of building a new hospital and with government funding it will be a basic hospital. So they are raising money for vital life saving equipment, funding for research, and arts and play activities. 

In order to help them Carlo Cecchini and myself are growing moustaches from November 5th - December 5th 2013. No donation is too small, please help us and support this wonderful hospital , totally dedicated staff and continue to help them help other young peoples lives xx

 

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