Riley, Heart Kid
Our pregnancy with Riley was a blessing following the unexpected loss of our oldest son Daniel to CHD at the age of 7.
At our 20 week scan, Riley was diagnosed with Double Outlet, Hypoplastic Right Ventricle, Ventricular Septal Defect, (VSD), Pulmonary Atresia and Dextrocardia and his start to life was going to be tough.
Riley looked remarkably well at birth considering the seriousness of his heart condition. He was transferred to Westmead Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where he was stabilised in preparation for the first of 3 essential, and major life-saving surgeries. The final stage occurring just before he turned 5. Riley has overcome many obstacles in his young life, including complications from surgery and an inability to retain food as an infant.
Riley is now 13 years old and has just started high school. We are forever grateful to his team of surgeons and doctors who saved his life, and who continue to monitor his health. We can’t begin to thank them enough, and all of our wonderful family and friends for continually picking up the pieces and for just being there.
Riley is now in good health, and is a confident, vibrant young man. He has a passion for acting and film making and has been selected for participation in specialised drama programs in Hollywood.
HeartKids has been an integral part of our lives, they have been a constant source of support, and we have made many lifelong friends with wonderful people who share similar stories to us.
