Heart disease affecting babies highlighted during national awareness week

EIGHT babies are born every day in Australia with childhood-onset heart disease, a confronting statistic being highlighted as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week begins on Friday.

The national awareness week, which runs from February 7 to February 14 and leads into Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day on February 14, is shining a light on one of the country’s most common congenital conditions and the impact it can have on families.

Childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) is an umbrella term for lifelong heart conditions that begin at birth or during childhood and often require ongoing medical care.

To mark the week, HeartKids – Australia’s only charity dedicated to providing support, resources and advocacy for the 250,000 people living with CoHD – has launched its annual fundraising campaign.

The Sweethearts for HeartKids campaign encourages people to donate $8 in recognition of the eight babies diagnosed each day and to help provide essential services for the children, teenagers and adults living with heart conditions across Australia.

The money will be used to expand access to practical and emotional support in hospitals, communities and regional areas.

This includes family support programs, camps, education days and the HeartKids Helpline, which offers guidance and connection to families navigating a heart disease diagnosis.

“As a mother of three, with two children living with heart conditions, I know how overwhelming a diagnosis can feel,” chief executive Sami Glastonbury said.

“HeartKids helps families feel seen and supported at a time when everything feels uncertain.

“Families often spend long periods in hospital or travelling for care. The practical and emotional support HeartKids provides is something you cannot put a price on.”

HeartKids was established nearly 50 years ago by parents searching for information and connection during what is often a time of grief and upheaval.

“Giving $8 may seem like a small gesture, but when our generous community give together, the collective impact helps ensure families facing childhood-onset heart disease have support when it matters most,” Glastonbury said.

For more information, to donate or to host a Sweethearts fundraiser, such as a Galentine’s or Valentine’s event, breakfast, movie night or dinner, head to heartkids.org.au/sweethearts-for-heartkids