When Amani was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at age six, his family feared he would never play with other children again. The condition, a moderate ventricular septal defect, meant his heart was working harder than it should, leaving him breathless after even short bursts of play.
Thanks to donor-funded surgery through our Heart Program, Amani underwent corrective surgery at Gertrude’s and made a full recovery within months. Today, at eight years old, he plays football every afternoon with his classmates, something his mother once thought impossible.
I used to watch him from the sidelines, waiting for him to get tired. Now I can’t keep up with him. That surgery gave me my son back.
Amani’s mother
His story is one of dozens made possible by our Heart Program each year, and a reminder of what sustained donor support actually buys: not just a procedure, but a childhood.
Why early cardiac screening matters
Many congenital heart conditions go undetected until a child struggles to keep up physically, by which point treatment can be more complex. Our cardiology team recommends screening early, especially where there is a family history of heart conditions.
- Early detection means simpler, less invasive treatment in most cases.
- Screening is quick, non-invasive, and can be done during a routine pediatric visit.
- Children treated early recover faster and face fewer long-term complications.
- Families gain peace of mind and a clear treatment plan sooner.