Supporting baby Jordies cardiac journey

Jordie is my little 4 month old nephew who has had a difficult start to life. He has spent the last 89 days in PICU Starship with his mum Bex and dad Carl by his side.

Jordie was diagnosed after birth with congenital heart defects, an AVSD (atrioventricular septal defect) and a defect in his mitral valve. At what was meant to be a routine 6-week cardiac clinic appointment at Starship in May, Jordie unexpectedly went into cardiac arrest. He was rushed to PICU and placed on ECMO life support after going into severe heart failure.

After a week on ECMO, at just 7 weeks old, Jordie had his first open-heart surgery to repair his mitral valve and close his AVSD. He then battled a few bumps in the road following this surgery and unfortunately just before he was 3 months old his heart and body told everyone it was time for the next steps and Jordie underwent another open heart surgery where a mechanical heart valve was placed.

The surgery battles did not end there. Unfortunately 2 weeks later a clot formed on a his new valve and he was rushed for urgent open heart surgery to remove the clot.

Jordie has now spent the last 89 days being cared by the most amazing team in PICU and cardiologists in Starship. He continues to make amazing strides forward and everyday is showing his strength and determination.

Whilst it is difficult to alleviate the emotional costs, ongoing medical care for Jordie brings a financial burden in which we can try to lighten the load for the Raybould family.