Heart mum Amy, known online as ‘Asphodel Moon’, is taking on the Game4Hearts challenge this year for CHSF! Amy’s daughter is now three and had open heart surgery at just 11 weeks old.
Read more about her medical journey here.
In this blog, Amy tells us how CHSF helped her during her daughter’s treatment and why she is fundraising for CHSF through our November gaming challenge Game4Hearts.
“During my daughter’s first time in hospital, having her first surgery, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund provided family accommodation so that I could stay in the hospital and be closer to my daughter whilst she was in the PICU and the HDU.
“The accommodation gave me a bed to sleep in, my own bathroom and they also provide a kitchen area and washing facilities for clothes so for families who are staying long term, have free access to everything they could possibly need.
“In 2021, Covid restrictions within hospitals were still in place, so we didn’t get to meet Katie Bear in the wards, however, the CHSF team sent out my daughter’s Katie Bear, her medal and her certificate to show she was an honorary member of the ‘Katie Bear Club’. We treasure the certificate and medal, and Katie Bear is a very loved member of the cuddly toy collection.
Amy’s daughter had open heart surgery at Leeds when she was just 11 weeks old. Read more here.
“I intend to fundraise for CHSF during Game4Hearts by creating The Sims content for YouTube and streaming on Twitch.
“I will create Sims and Builds that centre around a heart theme but do it in my more gothic/alternative style. I may also search for gameplay mods and custom content that allows for showcasing of medical conditions within this lifestyle simulator.
Follow Asphodel Moon online
YouTube: youtube.com/@asphodelmoon
Twitch: twitch.tv/asphodelmoon
Instagram: www.instagram.com/asphodelsims
“I’ve decided to fundraise for CHSF because without them, my time spent in hospital with my daughter during her surgeries would have been a lot more difficult.
“I wouldn’t have had the support to stay on hospital grounds during her first bigger surgery which would have meant an expensive stay in a hospital or expensive travelling to and from my home every day to be with her.
“During her second surgery, my daughter wouldn’t have received the support from the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit Play Specialist, who provided much needed toys to keep a young child occupied and to also help teach them about certain parts of the procedure like anaesthesia.
“This charity deserves all of the support for everything they do for heart families through their entire journey.”
You can read full details about Amy’s daughter’s medical journey here.
Your donations ensure families like Amy and patient’s like her daughter, are empowered and supported throughout their hospital treatment and beyond.
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