Heartfelt: A mother’s gratitude for the care that saved her son
THE mother of a little boy who underwent open heart surgery at just 10 days old says she is forever grateful to the hospital staff who saved his life.
Niamh Kenny, mother of Freddie, said they had no idea the little boy was so ill prior to his birth in Kilkenny.
Doctors first realised he had a serious heart condition as Freddie and his parents were preparing to go home from hospital, two days after his birth.
“When the specialist came to talk to us, our world fell apart. He said there was something wrong with Freddie’s heart and they couldn’t help him in Kilkenny,” Niamh said.
“He needed to go straight to Crumlin. The day passed by in such a haze while we waited.
“Dr Orla Franklin sat down and told us what was wrong with our baby. He had hypoplastic right heart syndrome, a serious condition [which results in low blood oxygen levels].
“Dr Franklin spent ages talking to us and one thing that stuck out clearly was when she told us we had a long road ahead, but that Crumlin Heart Centre was the best place to be. My baby was in safe hands, they would do whatever it took to help him.
“Freddie had his first open heart surgery when he was 10 days old and it went well.
“Our aim after this was to build him up for his second surgery at six months old. He hit all his milestones and we got through the second surgery. After that, we had a two-year gap before his third surgery.”
The hospital put Niamh in touch with a child psychologist who helped her explain to Freddie why he was in hospital so often, and also helped Niamh explain to her eldest son Harry why she had to leave him at their home in Carlow.
Freddie had his third surgery, and a week later was getting physio. While he was recovering in hospital in the run-up to Christmas 2017, Freddie got to meet Robbie Keane and Johnny Sexton.
“They were just over the moon when they saw their heroes – I honestly think Freddie forgot that he was sick when he got to shake hands with Robbie and Johnny,” said Niamh.
“Freddie started school in September and is the happiest little man.”
Since Freddie’s birth, family members have completed two minimarathons and have raised €4,000, as well as bringing Christmas presents to the hospital.
For further information on fundraising and donations, go to www.CMRF.org.