Lifelong battle to fix troubled ticker
EMILY Barratt loves to dance.
The 14- year- old doesn’t even mind the demanding training sessions that comes with her r love of dancing.
The Ryan Catholic College student trains in highland dancing, ballet, jazz, contemporary ballet and tap dancing five days a week and has performed countless times at concerts and recitals.
But Emily hasn’t had the easiest journey to success.
At only three days old she underwent open heart surgery after being diagnosed with a congenital heart disease, pulmonary atresia.
Another two heart surgeries followed, when she was eight months old and when she was four.
And the battle is not over for the Kirwan teenager. She needs more surgery to put in an artificial valve.
Mum Amanda Barrett said within hours of being born, her firstborn baby turned blue.
“It was the most terrifying period of my life,” she said.
“To have your baby whisked away so doctors can perform lifesaving open- heart surgery is the worst experience that any parent can go through.
“To see my tiny newborn baby come out of the surgery, all puffy with so many lines and tubes coming from her body was just horrific; a parent’s living hell.”
Mrs Barrett and Emily are sharing their story to shine the torch on the important role of HeartKids, the country’s only charity solely dedicated to supporting kids and families with childhood heart disease, while funding vital research.
Next Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, is HeartKids’ Sweetheart Day, a national awareness campaign where the community can show their support for those living with a congenital/ childhood heart disease.
Mrs Barrett said despite Emily’s heart condition, her daughter lived “life to its fullest”.
“Emily is has such a happygo- lucky kid with such a great attitude to life,” she said.
“She doesn’t want to be different, she wants to be just like everyone else.
“She keeps up with it all really well, although now she is getting more puffed.
“That is why she needs to get the surgery, artificial valve in her heart.”
Mrs Barratt said the family appreciated the ongoing support given by HeartKids.
Go to sweetheartday.org.au.