Little Indie is still adored
EIGHTEEN months after their little angel’s tragic death, a Townsville family has opened up on the devastating impact of the loss and revealed she will be “in our hearts forever”.
Indie Florence Miller was born on June 7, 2018 as a happy little bub, but back at the 20week scan during Rebecca Miller’s pregnancy something out of place had shown up.
It revealed she had a flap in the centre of her heart.
Following further testing and examination, the Miller family was told Indie had a heart defect.
“We discussed the next steps including delivering her in Brisbane and possible surgeries that could take place. We were given hope,” Mrs Miller said.
“When we got to Brisbane we discovered that Indie’s heart was worse than first thought. “There was no artery at all.”
On the day of Indie’s birth she was taken to the Mater Hospital to have an echo test to determine the severity of her broken heart.
“I still had hope that the surgeons could fix my baby girl,” Mrs Miller said.
“The next day was a blur as I was so upset but I recall a doctor came to see me. I was told that there was nothing they could do to save Indie.
“Surgery would only make her condition worse and she wouldn’t survive. I was told to take my girl home and love her.”
The family flew back to Townsville where Indie underwent weekly check-ups, oxygen monitoring and paediatriitian appointments.
At seven months old, on January 5, 2019, the little fighter passed away.
“Indie’s breathing become very shallow and she was distressed,” Mrs Miller said.
“We called an ambulance and she held on until they arrived.
“As we entered the ambulance her tiny heart stopped beating. We held her for hours never wanting to let her go.”
Mrs Miller and husband Chris, along with their children Jacob, 26, Seth, 13, Jackson, 9, Mikayla, 5, and Maharlia, five months, will never forget the bright little girl Indie was.
“She was happy the whole time. She smiled, laughed and lived the best life she possibly could in that time,” Mrs Miller.
“We remember her every day. Every day we talk to her, we have photos through the house of her.
“We release purple balloons into the sky on the anniversary of her passing at Jezzine Barracks. She is always in our hearts forever.”
Heartkids Australia supported the Miller family during and after Indie’s battle.
Today is Hero for Heartkids Day, which raises money and awareness for childhood heart disease.
Mrs Miller and the family hope the Townsville community support the important cause.