Ella's Big Heart - open heart surgery

UPDATE:

Ella had surgery a few days ago and is recovering well. Thank you for all the support we have received

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Our beautiful second daughter Ella (Ariella) was born 4 weeks early on the 18th September 2023. After being at home for 3 days, we first noticed she had rapid breathing. Other family and friends who had come over to visit were asking if she was alright. We then took her to emergency and they found nothing, putting it down to premature breathing.

At her four week check up she was diagnosed with a loud heart murmur. And we were referred to the Queensland

Children's Hospital in Brisbane, 1000kms from our home in Mackay.

Ariella was diagnosed in October 2023 with one hole in her heart and dilation to the left side making it enlarged.

After this initial cardiology appointment, we were sent home with the hope that the hole in her heart would heal as she grew. Unfortunately, this was not the case.

Once flying back to Brisbane from Mackay we were met with the news that Ella now has two holes in her heart from the increased strain and stretching of the muscle, damage to the aortic and pulmonary valves and the heart is now tripled in size on the left side.

Due to the high risk and complications that can arise from open heart surgery, doctors needed Ella to put on weight and to see if the behaviour of her heart improved at all. Unfortunately her heart has not improved and she now requires open heart surgery on March 22nd 2024.

We have since travelled to the children’s hospital five times and have been funding our medical, travel and accommodation costs as a family.

During our hospital stays Ella has fought sepsis, had seizure like episodes and has been on Nasal gastric tube feeds full time since 5 weeks old due to being lethargic and unable to finish a bottle.

The past 6 months have been one of the hardest times of our lives with the extra emotional and financial stress of having a sick child. We have had lots of time away from work and home and have tried our best to keep the family together. As parents all we wish for Ella is to be happy and healthy just like her big sister Seraphina.

Any donation would be greatly appreciated at this tough time.