ride4cameron

Our little miracle born with only half a heart

Cameron was born in August 2012 with Hypoplastic Right Ventricle (HRHS -Basically half a Heart). His parents were told he would probably not survive birth let alone open heart surgery. At only 5 days old Cameron had his first open heart surgery. He spent 12 days in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit where several times the team thought he may not make it through the night, but against the odds he pulled through. He was transferred to the Kids Heart Ward where we stayed for the next 8 weeks until he had learnt to feed & gain enough weight to be discharged home.

Cameron had to return to Starship at 15 weeks of age for his second surgery to replace the shunt that was inserted during his first surgery, His parents said their goodbyes to their little warrior as they wheeled Cameron to surgery for his 2nd open heart surgery. 9 hours later they got the call to say all went great & he was in intensive care and doing well. The family needed to stay at Ronald McDonald House for another few weeks until his sutures could be removed and were discharged on 19th December in time to be home for Cameron’s 1st Christmas.

They have been back for a couple of procedures since Christmas 2012. The last procedure in April 2014 a stent was placed in Cameron’s left pulmonary artery to open it wider in preparation for his 3rd open heart surgery which is scheduled for Jan 2016.

It is likely that Cameron will need a heart transplant in his teenage years to ensure a long and fulfilled life.

Cameron will need defibrillator at home, his kindergarten, and schools throughout his life to ensure his heart can keep beating in emergencies. Each defibrillator could cost between $3000.00 and $5000.00. His parents will also need to take extended time of work during each of the surgeries and face large travel and accommodations costs.

Cameron’s Father Nick and Grandfather Peter, like myself, are keen cyclists. His neighbour Dennise is dedicating her IronMan 2016 to our little warrior. Help us to secure funds to support the Family through these tough life changing circumstances. The funds will be used to purchase equipment for Cameron in the future, support the family with unexpected costs and pay for Cycling Kit to raise awareness of heart kids and Cameron’s condition. (Corporate Naming Sponsors of Cycle Kit Welcomed).