Every day in Australia, eight babies are born with a childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD), and during February HeartKids is calling on Australians to help support these children and their families through its annual Sweethearts for HeartKids campaign.
The campaign runs throughout Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (7–14 February) and leads into Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day on 14 February. Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital condition in Australia, impacting families from birth and often requiring lifelong care.
Sweethearts for HeartKids is encouraging Australians to donate $8 for the eight babies diagnosed each day and calling on the community to come together to provide vital support to more than 250,000 children, teenagers and adults living with heart conditions across the country.
Funds raised through the campaign enable HeartKids to increase access to essential support services in hospitals, communities and regional areas. This includes family support programs, teen camps, education days and funding the HeartKids Helpline, which offers guidance and connection for families navigating a heart disease diagnosis.
Newly appointed HeartKids chief executive Sami Glastonbury has two children with heart conditions and said she knows how overwhelming a diagnosis can feel and how important support can be.
“I know HeartKids helps families feel seen and supported at a time when everything feels uncertain,” Ms Glastonbury said.
“Families often spend long periods in hospital or travelling for care. The practical and emotional support HeartKids provides is something you cannot put a price on.”
To find out more about Sweethearts for HeartKids, visit: https://www.heartkids.org.au/sweethearts-for-heartkids/
