Lachlan's Heart Transplant Journey

Lachlan is about to turn 13, and yet is also about to embark on a heart transplant. After suffering cardiac arrest in February 2020, Lachlan has survived six massive heart operations and about to have a seventh and final risky open heart surgery to save what is felt of his failing heart, an attempt to allow him some quality of life while he waits for a donated heart. This surgery will take place next month, in time for his 13th birthday, leaving him incapacitated in Starship Hospital at a time he should be celebrating. Lachlan has been unable to undertake any schooling since February, and is now considered well enough to try a mixture of online learning alone, and visiting his classmates one hour a week. Sadly, by a string of bad luck, Lachlan's computer has died and the school refuses to allow him to use a donated virtual reality headset to watch his lessons. Lachlan needs a new computer to see out his Year 8 education so he can start high school next year, but this fun time will also be interrupted by the heart transplant and the three months of heart rehab required if he survives the procedure. Lachlan is the youngest of four boys, and his three college-aged brothers also need their laptops for school, meaning sharing is making it difficult for Lachlan to learn. Lachlan's mother is a single parent and now left unable to work due to his condition and 24 hour care. This sudden illness of heart failure, with a small chance of survival, has taken a massive toll on the family, at a time where the world is already suffering a pandemic, further complicating Lachlan's young life. Getting a computer of his own to do his schooling and connect with children his own age will help to lift his spirits, reduce his isolation anxiety, and give hope that a future may be possible. No child needs to be facing their own mortality, especially at an age where they should be embarking on becoming a teen and looking forward to their future.