Watch our full 2024 Christmas appeal video here.
Thanks to your amazing fundraising, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) are able to give Katie Bears, medals and certificates to every baby and child who has open heart surgery at Leeds
As the following blog shows, this precious gift is truly something to ‘treasure forever’ as a symbol of resilience, and is always on hand to give ‘cuddly comforts’…
Grace Lawson is 13 years old and from Morley in Leeds. She has had numerous surgeries to repair her heart after she was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot at birth (followed by cerebral palsy and global development delay at 3 years old.)
Her first open heart surgery occurred when she was just 3 months old, where she had a BT shunt fitted. At 18 months she had her major heart repair, and has just had a pulmonary valve replacement this year.
In between these, Grace has had numerous stents, angioplasties and catheterisations.
Grace suffered a stroke during one of her earlier operations which left her with some difficulties in terms of her walking, fine motor skills and her processing of information.
Grace’s mum, Amy, says Katie Bear has been a comfort and support all through the journey:
“Grace loves Katie Bear! We had an earlier one given to us which is showing it’s age now! (We were featured in BraveHearts magazine with Grace holding the bear and certificate.
“When the Heart Unit faced closure we attended the protests as it means so much to us and shortly after I did a Firewalk for the charity 9which was also featured in the Yorkshire Evening Post).
“Katie Bear is a lovely gift to the children it brings a great smile and some cuddly comforts when times are difficult in hospital.
“I also believe that it congratulates a great big achievement for the children and is something to hold onto and treasure forever.
“I must admit I do love Katie Bear myself actually, I see Grace’s most recent bear sat proudly on display and I think ‘We did it!’ It’s a great comfort.
“We would do all we can to support this amazing charity – it really does change people’s lives for the better, so thank you!
Thanks to your incredible support, CHSF have been able to help empower Grace and her family in other ways. Amy added:
“I am forever grateful to the charity for providing us with so much support over the 13 years Grace has been receiving treatment.
“CHSF have enabled us to be at her side with the parent accommodation when she was in Paediatric Intensive Care. It has brought her great comfort with the use of the toys, electronics and cuddly bears.
“Also the charity has funded life-saving equipment and support staff which have been invaluable to our family during Grace’s journey.
“The charity has always gone above and beyond to make the children more comfortable looked after, entertained, valued and most importantly has given them a lifeline. Thanks to all the support that CHSF provide we are able to look forward to a positive and healthier future for Grace.
Amy says Grace is currently still at home recovering after her most recent surgery for the valve transplant in November:
“To say we are proud of Grace is an understatement. She’s absolutely determined, and her strength is admirable she really lives up to her name our ‘Amazing Grace’. Throughout it all she has never failed to put a smile on other people’s faces with her cracking sense of humour.”
Katie Bear has symbolised bravery and resilience for thousands of young patients with CHD every year since CHSF began in 1988 – and we would like to continue funding more Katie Bears and medals for our patients and families with your help!
Please visit our JustGiving page and help grant this Christmas wish. Thank you!
Watch our full Christmas Wishes Appeal video, featuring lots of familiar faces – including staff, patients and families! Thanks to everyone who got involved!
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