At my 20-week scan, we were told our baby had a double aortic arch - a rare heart defect where the aorta forms a ring around the trachea and esophagus, restricting breathing and swallowing.

The Evelina team at St Thomas’ Hospital saw us through the rest of my pregnancy. They answered every anxious question, monitored Arya closely at every scan, and prepared us for what would come after she was born. They gave us hope during the scariest time of our lives.

Arya was born in September 2025. At 4 months old, she had surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital to repair her heart.

Throughout it all, the Evelina’s support was invaluable. They held my hand when I couldn’t hold hers. They treated Arya like she mattered, and they treated us like we mattered too.

Today, Arya is 6 months old and thriving. She’s rolling over, eating her first foods, and hitting her milestones. Her recent cardiology check-up showed her heart is functioning perfectly. The double aortic arch that threatened her life is now just part of her story.

The Evelina gave us our daughter’s future.

We are walking to raise money for the families still wondering what the future will look like, still asking terrifying questions, still having scaring thoughts, still hoping for good news. We are walking for the staff, the doctors and the nurses, who give families like ours not just medical care, but hope, dignity, and compassion.

Every donation, no matter how small, helps the Evelina continue this life-changing work.

Thank you for supporting Team Two Arches Strong.

Annalibera, Giuseppe and Arya