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Our 2 and a half year old daughter Maya was born with a large VSD, which is a type of hole in her heart. This causes too much blood to be pushed around her heart and to her lungs which makes both her heart and lungs work much harder then a healthy heart would do. She has been on medication since she was 9 days old to help with the effects of the VSD and we were always advised that she will probably need surgery one day.

We noticed her getting more breathless, she had more chest infections and was carrying fluid on her lungs which you could hear 'rattling'. Her recent hospital check up confirmed that her heart and lungs are struggling with the extra work and she now needs some additional help. We are now awaiting an appointment through the post or a phone call from Great Ormand Street for heart surgery to fix the hole.

My lovely friend Hayley found a couple of charities who may be able to provide support after a tearful chat about my fears and how on earth you prepare a toddler for surgery. I contacted Children's Heart Federation (CHF) who have been amazing. Within a week of making contact they have sent me more information then I have ever recieved from the hospital about Maya's condition and the treatment she'll need. They will also be making Maya her own 'Molly Dolly' with matching blonde hair and blue eyes and a matching scar so I can help to prepare her and give her something to relate to. Each of these dolls costs the charity £20 to provide (a nice amount to donate). We are also hopefully going to attend a family weekend away, where we will get to meet other 'Heart Families' who we will be able to share experiences with and find support.

This is the hardest thing we've been through and am truely amazed by the support this charity has provided us. They could benefit other families too, so I really want to help them be able to do that.

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So please dig deep and donate now.