Our History
In 1980, Linda Davies and Michelle Mann met in Greenlane* Hospital. Their newborn babies were suffering from major heart problems, and sadly both children died in 1981. From their experiences, Linda and Michelle realised there was very little written information for parents of a heart child and they felt a book was needed.
When they left hospital Linda and Michelle spent a great deal of time finding information and surveying other families with a heart child. In 1983 the book "Heart Children" was published and made available free to parents of children who had a heart condition.
While they had set out only with the intention of writing a book, Linda and Michelle soon found themselves acting in a much needed support role to other families "going through" Greenlane Hospital. Over a period of time, as families returned to their own part of New Zealand, a network of support groups was established.
This network was co-ordinated by the Auckland group who formalised themselves as Heart Children Incorporated in 1984. The organisation continued to grow and in August 1994 a national board was elected. A new constitution was adopted in 1995 and the organisation renamed Heart Children New Zealand Inc.
Visit our Contact Info for your nearest group.
)
Left: Michelle Mann and Linda Davies,founders of Heart Children and co-authors of the book cutting the cake at the 15 year celebration of Heart Children New Zealand in Auckland.
*In December 2003, the Paediatric Cardiac Unit was relocated from Greenlane Hospital to Ward 23B at Starship Children's Hospital as part of the Auckland District Health Board's health delivery plan and the building of the new Auckland Hospital. Heart Children NZ's work continues on in its support to families in the same way as when the PCU was housed at Greenlane Hospital.