Bonnie is two years old and was born with Atrial septal defect (ASD) and Ventricular septal defect (VSD) which were surgically repaired in Leeds at age 4 months.
She has just celebrated her second heart day on 4th May! Mum Charleigh tells us about Bonnie’s CHD journey so far…
Bonnie’s mum, Charleigh, said:
“Bonnie was diagnosed at 9 weeks old after a health visitor noticed something wasn’t right and she hadn’t been gaining weight. We were told to go straight to A&E where she was checked over by a doctor who then requested a scan because he heard a ‘whoosh’ sound in her chest.
“After the scan we were told that she had a hole in her heart and a curved septum wall which would need surgical repair as it was too large to leave and heal as she grows.
“Bonnie she was then put on two kinds of medication to help with the pressure her heart was under. She still wasn’t gaining weight, even on the prescribed milk, and was admitted to Sheffield Children’s Hospital to have a feeding tube to help with her weight gain.
“After this it was just a wait for surgery. She was put on a waiting list and after six days I received a phone call saying her surgery would be the following Thursday. It was all so fast from the initial appointment to the day of surgery and most of it was blur, but I remember being very scared – especially knowing how invasive the surgery would be.
“Bonnie has an older brother who stayed home with his dad, so it was just me and Bonnie at the LGI, but honestly the staff were some of the most lovely, friendly and caring people I have ever met and that includes the CHSF staff.
“If it wasn’t for CHSF I wouldn’t have had a place to stay so close by to her. You helped with meal vouchers, travel with it being so last minute and that’s just the physical part! The emotional side too – you all help so much with and the empathy you show families. I still have my ‘Comfort & Care pack’, and Bonnie of course still has Katie Bear. Her medal and certificate are in a memory box that will be cherished forever!
“Bonnie had a cardiology appointment in April and doesn’t have another for three years now which is huge.
“I work in retail and our store do Charity Grants. Staff can nominate charities that are close to your heart, and I nominated CHSF. I was so happy CHSF were chosen for the grant because my thank you’s will never be enough for all you do.”
CHSF exists to support local heart warriors and their families. Empowered lives, because of you. There is no better way to explain our charity than using a powerful story – like yours.
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