Family Ambassador Story
River’s journey with CoHD began at his 20-week scan, where doctors discovered a coarctation of the aorta and three small VSDs. Born at 38 weeks, he was immediately transferred to Westmead Children’s Hospital for surgery at just 3 days old. At 6 years old, after moving to Victoria, River underwent open-heart surgery to remove a sub-aortic membrane at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Throughout his journey, River’s family leaned on their community, friends, and HeartKids for support. Now, at 11 years old, River has grown into a resilient young boy who loves footy, basketball, and farm life. His remarkable strength was evident when he climbed Uluṟu just two months after his surgery. River and his family will join Two Feet & A Heartbeat in Victoria this October.
Chloe Manolitsas
Fundraising and Events Coordinator
E: chloe.manolitsas@heartkids.org.au