HeartKids

Childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) which includes both congenital and childhood-acquired heart conditions, is the one of the most common birth defects in Australia. Each day, eight babies affected by CoHD are born in Australia, with many more developing a heart condition in childhood, placing long-term burdens on approximately 250,000 Australians.    

For most, there is no cure and CoHD is a life-long condition that must be managed.  

HeartKids’ began over 40 years ago and is Australia’s only charity providing direct, immediate supports to babies, children, teens and families impacted by childhood-onset heart disease to help them to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life.  Our initiatives include in-hospital support, parental and teen education, mental health support services, information and education resources and peer support events.   

HeartKids addresses not just the challenges of navigating the health system but also the social, emotional, and practical aspects of living with CoHD, ensuring no one faces this life-long situation alone. We bridge gaps in care that other organisations don’t address, offering both immediate support and tools for long-term resilience.

WEBSITE