There is no known cure CHD is the leading cause of death in Australian babies Thanks to medical advances there are over 32,000 adults living with a heart condition since childhood Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital disorder in newborns. The birth rate prevalence of congenital heart disease is understood to be approximately 8 – 10 cases per 1,000 live births. In Australia, there are approximately 300,000 registered births per year resulting 2,400 – 3,000 babies born each year with a form of congenital heart disease. Cumulatively, taking into consideration newborns through to adults living with congenital heart disease, this number could conceivably represent well over 65,000 Australians.
CHD affects 1 in 100 babies and it is the biggest killer of children under the age of 1, bigger than all cancers. 8 babies per day in Australia are born with a heart condition and sadly, 4 die every week. Locally, in Warragul and Drouin alone, there are 200 families affected by CHD. Gippsland Rhythm and Wings aims to support families affected by CHD by running physical monthly support groups, providing contacts for professional counselling services to those affected and raising awareness amongst the community. The anxiety experienced by both the child affected and the family dealing with an uncertain future as well as the grief experienced when a little one is lost require professional help and the cost of this service can be restrictive for some families. Our charity will aim to reduce this burden on families. Care packs for children in hospital to brighten their day & ease the pain of being separated from family
and friends. Financial support for those who are experiencing difficulty during the tough times where medication, funeral costs, grief counselling or travel associated with having a sick child are taking a financial toll. Fun family day’s out where even if it’s for a few hours the kids can not think of living with CHD but instead they can enjoy making some beautiful memories with their families.