Makayla's Story

Makayla's mother discovered something was amiss with her pregnancy during her 20 week ultra sound which showed her child had a major heart defect.

Whilst she was given options to terminate the pregnancy she chose to keep her baby. On 9 December 2007 the world welcomed beautiful Makayla.

Within 2 hours she was transferred to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne where it was confirmed she had a multitude of heart defects which included; Transposition of the Great Arteries, Double Inlet Left Ventricle, Ventricular Septal Defect and Hyperplastic Right Heart Syndrome. All of these are major heart conditions on their own, but having them all at once, is quite unbelievable.

Makayla required a series of life saving heart surgeries to address her heart conditions. This was challenging for Makayla and her family, to say the least.

Her fourth and most recent surgery was cancelled six times due to a lack of ICU beds and trained nurses. HeartKids raised this issue with State and Federal governments and thankfully this shortage has been partially addressed and Makalya has now had her operation which thankfully went well.

Makayla has another planned at around 5 years of age, but things are looking positive for this beautiful girl.

Her mother Lauren reports she has been most appreciative of the support offered to her and her family by HeartKids. "These have been most challenging times, but we take each day as it comes. Everyone has to keep smiling as Makayla never stops smiling. We are lucky that we have a happy baby." says Lauren.