Childlife

If you ask seven-year-old Vinnie about his condition, he’ll tell you he was born with half a heart and that one day he’ll need a new one.

Vinnie has hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). In his short life, he has had three major, open-heart surgeries to help stabilise his condition and preserve his heart. But he will need a transplant.

For parents Claire and Ben, keeping up with ‘such a ball of energy’ can be challenging. His condition means he has severe heart failure, but Claire says Vinnie is always full of life.

“He’s very strong and knows his own mind. He’s a very big advocate for himself and his heart condition. We follow his lead. It’s not something he’s ever shied away from, he embraces it. It’s made him who he is.”

Real-life superheroes

Tiny newborn Vinnie underwent the first of three surgeries at just 48 hours old. For Claire and Ben it was all about keeping him safe from one surgery to the next. It meant they were extra cautious of people visiting the house and they didn’t take him out anywhere in between surgeries, to reduce the chance of infections or catching any illnesses.

It was during this time that the family were introduced to Acorns Children’s Hospice and the charity has become a key part of their lives ever since, with Vinnie regularly visiting for daycare. At Acorns he gets the care he needs, his medications and his parents know he is safe.

Acorns is the lifeline that families like Vinnie’s rely on to help them deal with complex and challenging situations – they describe the staff as ‘real-life superheroes’. Your support is helping them to continue to be there for families now and in the future.

help us to support even more children and young people

Archives

In safe hands

Related articles

Part of the family

Respite stays provide lifeline

help us to support even more children and young people

Archives