News and Events
People with just ‘half a heart’ can be whole-hearted supporters of our work – Wendy Graham is living proof of this.
Valentine’s Day marks Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Day and it’s a timely reminder that around 600 families will face the prospect of having a child born with a heart defect this year alone. And as always, Heart Children NZ will be there to assist them.
Wendy Graham knows first-hand what it’s like growing up with a heart defect and what a wonderful difference your financial support can make. She is a survivor beyond all medical predictions.
Wendy was born with a condition known as Tricuspid Atresia (where the heart’s right ventricle doesn’t form properly at birth) which is a rare and debilitating heart condition.
At just 16 months of age, Wendy had her first open heart surgery and is thankful that she no longer remembers the pain that went with it. This fun-loving woman from Tauranga clearly remembers that growing up with a heart condition wasn’t much fun at all.
“There was nothing like Heart Children for my family and myself when I was growing up,” says Wendy. “My family had to do everything alone without any support. I grew up feeling like I was the only child who was sick all the time. I never knew there were many others growing up with a heart like mine. I hated being different from other kids my age,” Wendy recalls. “I was in and out of hospitals and the hardest part was never knowing what would be next. It’s frustrating because, even now with my lifestyle still limited, I find it hard to slow down.”
Regrettably, 28 years after her first operation, life did slow down for Wendy and she underwent open heart surgery a second time. “There came a day when my health was at zero and surgery was my only option. I had a new Fontan Procedure that resulted in my right atrium being cut away so now I am a half-hearted girl,” she jokes.
Despite a painful recovery, Wendy’s health has improved significantly thanks to this life-saving operation and she continues to have a positive outlook on life. “I live as normal a life as possible,” Wendy says.
Just over a year ago, Wendy married her own Valentine. “Hollis is wonderful,” she says. “On my bad days, he takes care of me, makes sure the house is clean and there is nothing that I need worry about – so I can concentrate on looking after my health.”
Some thought Wendy would not last a year after her first surgery. Now at thirty-two, Wendy continues to live her dreams and face her uncertain future courageously.
“My advice to parents of children living with CHD is to let them live their dreams too,” she says. “Allow them to live life to the full. Dreams can come true even if you live with a heart condition.”
Wendy is grateful to know that Heart Children NZ is there to provide life long support to young children and their families who are just starting out in life with a CHD.
It is only through your donations that we are able to provide more than 50 support services including opportunities for young adults to attend camps where they can meet others facing the same challenges in life and pursue their dreams.
You can make a DONATION today. Alternately you can phone 0900 4 HEART (0900 443 278 ) to donate $20, call 0800 543 943 to make a credit card donation or mail a cheque payable to Heart Children NZ to PO Box 108034, Symonds Street, Auckland 1150.
)
){kind=link}