I would like to thank all our friends that supported heartkids by attending the trivia night and helping raise money to raise awareness for children with congenital heart disease.

On the night I was asked if I would like to do the Parent’s Speech so that I introduce myself and to talk about Elizabeths Journey and this is what I said:

My name is Effie Heldzingen and I have a Heartchlild called Elizabeth who was born at St George Public Hospital on 9th November 2005 by emergency caesarian

The caesarian was all a bit of a blur to me as I was in a daze. However I did see our daughters face for a split second, and all I could hear in the background was its ok, keep breathing little one then I had a feeling that something was wrong. She didnt cry straight away and she was blue and floppy therefore was taken to the special care unit to be monitered . We were later told that she may have a heart condition and would be taken to Sydney Childrens Hospital to have further tests. My Husband and I were speachless, I still had not held my baby and was so distressed. They brought Elizabeth into the ward so I can say my goodbyes. Seeing her from a distance made me feel so happy yet sad at the same time.
The not knowing of what may happen to Elizabeth was very upsetting for us.

Leslie went with Elizabeth via nets to SCH, He inform us that she has been diagnosed with 3 Complexed Heart Conditions

1) Transposition of the Great Arteries(TGA) 2) Ventricular Septal Defect(VSD) 3) Pulmonary Atresia

These heart conditions are common on there own however its a one in a million chance that you would get all these three conditions together.
We met with the Surgeon and Cardiologists to discuss her medical conditions. Elizabeth will have 3 operations.
Elizabeth had her 1st Operation - BT-Shunt at just 2 days old which was a success.
At 1 years of age she had the 2nd Operation – Glen Procedure. This was aborted half way on the table as her heart had swollen from 13 to 20 and it was too dangerous.
We were shocked and devastated that this occurred but we were grateful that Elizabeth survived yet again another operation.
The Glen Procedure was rescheduled 3 months later and proved to be a success.
Elizabeths 4th Operation the Fontan Procedure will be when Elizabeth is about 4-5 years of age.
Elizabeth has a leaking valve which may cause some concern long term and further down the track she may need a pacemaker.
Being given all this information at the time was all confusing and trying to understand all these complexed heart conditions was frightening.

More and more children are being diagnosed with Childhood Heart Disease and we as parents of a Heartkid like many families are amazed at the lack of awareness out there for our children as its the biggest killer. Leslie and I would like to thank Heartkids for giving us the opportunity to communicate and learn from other families with Heart chilldren.

Our sincerest thanks go out to Karen Sherlock Heartkids Nsw -Randwick Senior Family Support Coordinator
You supported us even though we were all over the place and had crossed paths in and out of the ICU unit. However knowing you were there gave us inspiration and faith that everything will work out and it did.

Elizabeth is very lucky that she has a big family unit with lots of support to go around. Not to mention the Doctors and Nurses who guided us along the way.
I guess we are all given situations in life and even thought at the time it may seem uncontrolable we are more than capable of dealing with these issues at hand by being positive .
This is why it is so important to support a charity like HeartKids. HeartKids provides support and guidance to families like ours and many others by, raising awareness in the community and donating much needed funds to research.

So Please think of the kids and dig deep for HeartKids your support and generosity is greatly appreciated.
Thanks again to everyone we really appreciate all the support that you have given us throughtout Elizabeths Journey and we will never forget it !!!

Warmest Wishes Leslie Effie and Elizabeth xoxoxoxo

To view the heartkids website go to www.heartkidsnsw.org.au