Thousands of people will wear red this week to support children like Ejiah who had open-heart surgery at six months old.
While her baby boy was growing inside her, Emma from Sherburn-in-Elmet, in the outskirts of Leeds, was heartbroken when she was told her son would be born with heart defects. After Elijah was born, he was monitored for three hours and the family were later moved into a different ward which became their "second home" at Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.
Elijah was diagnosed with a pulmonary atresia heart defect, a hole in his heart, lack of oxygen in his blood, and a 22q11 deletion syndrome - a condition caused by genetic material missing from someone's DNA. At six months old the little boy had to have open heart surgery, and now his family want people to help raise awareness of heart defects.
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Famous landmarks across Leeds, as well as residents will be donning red clothing in a bid to fundraise for Leeds Children's Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF).
The charity supports 17,000 people every single year across the north who have congenital heart disease. Not only does the charity raise cash for lifesaving equipment on the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit at Leeds Children's Hospital, but they also provide practical support and advice to families.
Schools, businesses and individuals will take part in the fundraiser on Friday, February 3. Speaking about how LCHU helped her family, Elijah's mum Emma said: "Having felt huge blows in a short period of time the staff and specialist nurses made us feel at ease and supported with our news. When Elijah was born he was taken to neonates where he was scanned for three hours to get a better understanding of his cardiac problems.
"He was well looked after by all of the staff, and after a few days of him doing well we was moved to our second home - Ward 51. We met Elijah’s team who were all amazing in the work and support they do."
She added: "On day four, Elijah’s nurse noticed something wasn’t right and asked for a lumbar test to do be which came back positive for meningitis, he was treated and made a full recovery. After three weeks we were allowed to come home to grow.
"When Elijah was six months old he was a candidate for his first open heart surgery to place a central shunt to help grow his pulmonary arteries - this was done by the amazing Mr Jaber. On our discharge day, Elijah aspirated and again we found ourselves back on the ward for two months.
"His arteries have now grown and we await a next possible surgery. If it wasn’t for all the staff on Ward 51, Elijah wouldn’t be here to tell his story so far! For that we are truly grateful."
Emma and her partner Kieran were offered a room in the hospital grounds near to Ward 51 - where their son was staying and receiving treatment. Emma added: "The rooms had a bathroom/shower, beds and TV, very much like a hotel room nice and clean, you also have access to a washer dryer and kitchen. These we very helpful with our two-month stay and also let our daughter stay overnight too!
"Family Support Worker Sarah was amazing - so much support for anything you needed from washing powder to Tesco vouchers and grants to help out. All of the team at CHSF are truly amazing people. Thank you so much for your support and help these past few months.
"Thank you to all of the staff on Ward 51 for saving Elijah’s life so many times and supporting us the way you have and most of all."
Anyone who wants to get involved and donate to CHSF can do so by texting CHSFWRD (plus any amount up to £30) to 70085. You can register for the event here and receive a free online pack that contains ideas and tips for fundraising.
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