The difference Ollie deserves

Making leaps and bounds with everyday care 

A different journey 

Diagnosed at just 13 weeks’ gestation with multiple congenital heart defects, the first eight years of Ollie’s life have been very different to other children his age. 

Ollie was two hours old when his medical journey began, with a balloon septostomy to provide blood flow and improve oxygenation. At 12 months, Ollie went into heart failure and underwent extensive assessment for a heart transplant – a distressing period for both Ollie and his family.  

In November 2021, Ollie experienced a major turning point in his treatment when he underwent his Nikaidoh surgery, repositioning his heart’s main arteries to ensure blood flows the right way. This surgery not only helped him to avoid a future heart transplant but granted him the ability to grow and strengthen into the inspiring, curious and resilient boy he is today. Despite this success, his journey is far from over.  

Variety in comfort and care 

Queensland Children’s Hospital can be a nerve-wracking place for kids and parents alike, however Children’s Hospital Foundation programs such as Book Bunker, Kidzone, Juiced TV and music therapy all work to bring everyday joy and comfort to kids like Ollie.  

And it doesn’t stop there. Family excursions, craft packs, ward orientation and operating theatre support bring an extra sense of care that extends to his family. 

“I remember coming to Queensland Children’s Hospital for a tour towards the end of my pregnancy with Ollie. Although it was very overwhelming, it was so evident that our baby would be very well cared for.”

– Emily, Ollie’s mum

Our Book Bunker and Kidzone playroom have played an extra special role in Ollie’s journey, offering comfort in difficult times and a safe space to play with his brother and cousins. 

Finding the light in the darkness 

Every year, our wrap-around programs at Queensland Children’s Hospital support over 130,000 interactions with young patients and their families. That’s 130,000 opportunities to make a hard day a little easier and a heavy moment a little lighter.   

While his medical journey is still ongoing, Ollie and his family can still experience magical moments together at the hospital through our Impact Programs, making hospital feel more like home.  

Ollie is now thriving in his third year of school, and despite having to have overcome more obstacles than his peers, he is like many other children his age – playing video games, running around outdoors and spending time with his family and friends.  

“The Children’s Hospital Foundation have provided us with glimmers of joy, peace and magic while both in and out of the hospital. We are eternally grateful for all that they do for families like ours. He has come leaps and bounds with his health and is now absolutely thriving.”

Ollie may have been born into a world of specialists and surgeries, yet he was also born into a world of undying love, care and support from his family. Your support means we can continue providing comfort, care and compassion to sick kids and families like Ollie’s when it is needed most. 

Donate today to be the difference every kid deserves.