June 10, 2026 
Latest News 
Because of the incredible work of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and because of your support, Kalina celebrated her first heartiversary on 3rd June this year.
Happy Heart Day Kalina from all of us at Children’s Heart Surgery Fund!
Kalina’s mum Karly-Kay said:
“It’s been a whole year since discharge.
“I still see blue themed corridors and hear the noises from being in intensive care, the sound of crash carts rushing to go save another child’s life and the goosebumps that follow. The “we’ve got this” look from fellow heart parents.
“I remember the long, sleepless nights. The drains coming from her chest and the endless wires in every direction I looked. The dressings, the stitches, the medications.
“But I also remember how her eyes lit up when she first saw us after surgery – like all was right in the world because her mum was there.”
“With a daughter like mine, the good will forever outweigh the bad. But this past week- marking a year since life-saving open heart surgery, we let ourselves feel, reminisce and remind ourselves how incredibly grateful we are to get a second chance at doing life together.
“7 hours , 8 minutes and 54 seconds in theatre for a lifetime of gratitude and love. Thank you Children’s Heart Surgery Fund for making miracles happen and thank you to Dr Giuseppe Pelella for saving my child’s life.
“I will never stop bragging about my heart warrior but also about every single person who has been a part of our journey to get to where we are. Every surgeon, every doctor, every specialist, every PICU nurse, every HDU nurse, every staff member on L51. You didn’t just save her life, you saved mine.”
A donation today helps us continue providing practical, family‑focused support to babies like Kalina and their loved ones throughout treatment and recovery.
Please help us continue to support more families who need us.
