When Luca was born, mum Emma and dad Michael discovered Luca had a very loud heart murmur.
The day after, they were transferred from Jimmy’s to the Leeds Children’s Hospital for a heart scan. It was then when they received the congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot.
Emma, from Leeds, picks up the story:
“During the scariest, most worrying times of our lives, we received amazing treatment from everyone at Leeds Children Hospital. The people we met during our time in the hospital were lovely and really made lasting impressions with us and our family.
“When we were first on the ward when Luca was just 3 days old, Sarah (CHSF Family Support worker) came to visit us, to introduce herself and explain how she and the charity could support us. She also brought with her a care package with some essentials that were greatly received. They also fund the accommodation we stayed in while Luca was recovering after his surgery when was 1 year old, which meant we could be at his bedside within minutes.
“CHSF also came to present Luca with his very own Katie Bear (CHSF mascot teddy) and medal after his surgery.
“Ever since Luca was diagnosed, it’s been really important to us as a family to help raise awareness for CHD and Wear Red Day is a perfect opportunity do this! Whenever we share Luca’s story with someone, we often hear of how they or someone they know have been affected by CHD, it’s so much more common than we ever realised. I wish we knew then, what we know today.
“Over the last 2 years we’ve held a bake sale for Wear Red Day 2023, got a local café involved for Wear Red Day 2024, where we decorated the whole place and encouraged them to wear red.
“They also sold red coloured treats on the day and had collection boxes on tables.
“Michael has run the Great North Run (GNR) for CHSF and we have other family members and friends running the Brighton Marathon and GNR this year for CHSF too!
“Luca is very well and is a typical 2-year-old toddler! He’s a very chatty, bubbly personality and loves to sing and dance.
“He will require further surgery in future and until then we’ll continue to be monitored at Leeds and have annual heart scans.”
Wear red in Feb for the thousands of children in our region like Luca!
Sign up to take part in Wear Red Day this February to raise vital awareness of congenital heart disease, and life-saving funds for CHSF!
Donate online to our Wear Red Day 2025 Justgiving page
Donate by text: Text CHSFWRD (plus any amount up to 20) to 70085
(e.g. To give £5 text: CHSFWRD 5 to 70085)
Spread the word: Tell your friends, family, school or business all about our campaign – and how easy it is to sign up! Thank you.
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