Baby Otis and Emily's story

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At Emily’s 20-week scan, her world stopped, when she was told that her baby had Tetralogy of Fallot—A rare combination of four heart defects that affects how blood flows through the heart, lungs and body. 

This can be life-threatening if untreated.

Emily attended weekly check-ups and was supported by a team of Mater Specialists throughout her pregnancy. At 39 weeks gestation, Emily underwent induced labour, and 30 hours later Otis came into this world. “He was put onto my chest for one minute and then whisked off to Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit.”

“When I did get to hold him, the first cuddle was beautiful—I loved every second of it. We sort of just stared into each other's eyes and acknowledged that we were each other's family. It was beautiful and special.”

“We were prepared for any eventuality, as I was told that typically it takes 48 hours for the baby’s body to reset because they don’t have the placenta to live off anymore.”

Otis survived this initial milestone, and at six months old, he endured an eight-hour open heart surgery to correct the defects in his heart.

“Buying tickets in Mater Prize Home makes a world of difference. I would like to thank you so much because it's helped fund everything that goes into the Neonatal Critical Care Unit; everything makes a difference,” said Emily.

Today, Otis faces four monthly check-ups on his heart, and at some point, he will need a valve replacement, but for now, he is thriving in the loving arms of his parents. 

Ticket sales in Mater Prize Home are supporting neonatal research, equipment, and patient care for more than 2,000 babies who are cared for in Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit each year. Thank you for your support, which is helping babies like Otis to have to best possible start to life.

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