2 minute read • Prize Home Lottery, Patient Stories, Mater Lotteries, Mater Prize Home
Matilda's Story
Your support helps give our tiniest patients the best possible start to life…
Running through the playground, Matilda is full of life—adventurous, cheeky and confident. Her bright smile lights up every room, but beneath her fearless spirit lies a story of unimaginable strength.
At just 10 days old, tiny Matilda underwent life-saving open-heart surgery. Her parents, Danielle and Jonty, can still vividly recall the heartache of that day.
Matilda's health journey began before she was born. At 20 weeks gestation, Danielle and Jonty received the devastating news that their baby had a congenital heart defect called Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)—a condition where the two main arteries of the heart are reversed.
“We were in absolute shock when we found out Matilda might not survive if her heart defect was left untreated,” Danielle recalled.
Thankfully, the Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine team was there to offer a glimmer of hope. With their expertise in fetal heart ultrasounds, a crucial scan performed by a specialist team identified Matilda’s condition early, giving her parents and medical team time to prepare for the complex care Matilda would need once born. Matilda spent nine days in Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit when she was born, receiving around the clock care from a team of doctors and nurses.
Today, Matilda’s heart is strong, and while she will need regular check-ups throughout her life, her parents are eternally grateful.
“You just look at her and can’t believe everything she’s been through at such a young age. Matilda is thriving because the Mater team gave her the best chance at life,” Danielle said.
Your support of Mater Prize Home tickets, helps fund vital medical research, equipment and patient care at Mater—changing the lives of babies like Matilda.
