In 2007 Verity Woods gave birth to her amazing son Noah at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
But within moments of his first breath Noah started to turn blue, Verity said.
“He was rushed to the special care unit where we were told he was so critical he had little to no chance of surviving the night, still unaware of what was killing our son,” she said.
“The amazing doctors, although fearing the worst, continued to work on his tiny little body enough that he made the fast trip to Westmead Children’s Hospital via aeroplane.”
That night Verity said he was diagnosed with having a congenital heart defect.
“The doctors still could not promise us a future with Noah, but defying the odds at four days old he was wheeled into surgery and underwent open heart surgery,” she said.
“Noah today is a healthy gorgeous near five-year-old boy, with an extra special heart and a large scar on his chest to remind him just how extra special he is.”
Verity is sharing Noah’s story during February to highlight Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Month.
“The condition is gaining more and more media coverage and my dream would be that not one home in Port Macquarie would be without the knowledge that this is happening in our community,” she said.
“The Donut King Is selling heart shaped donuts with funds going towards Heart Kids Australia.
“Michelle’s Patisserre has a write on a heart for Heart Kids. The hearts will be collected and sent to young children and family with heart babies in all major childrens’ hospitals.
“Brumby’s Bakery is raising funds and awareness also.
“More awareness, more funds, more babies surviving like Noah!”
More than four young Australians will die this week as a result of congenital heart disease.
Go to www.heartkids.org.au to learn more.
