Welcome light in dark times

For 18 months, Zhengzeng needed round-the-clock hospital care - surgery mended his heart, while a tracheostomy opened his airway - he was also tube-fed, which continues today.

When Zhengzeng came into the world in May 2018, the newborn had a raft of conditions that meant the odds were stacked against him.

He had a hole in the heart, narrow vessels and a blockage in the flow of blood from the right ventricle into the lungs. He also had a rare condition in which the oesophagus and trachea are abnormally connected. 

For the next 18 months, Zhengzeng needed round-the-clock hospital care. Surgery mended his heart, while a tracheostomy opened his airway. He was also tube-fed, which continues today.

Astonishingly, baby Zhengzeng smiled through it all, mum Yanan said.

But it’s been a long, difficult journey for Yanan and her husband Richard. Each of Zhengzeng’s milestones has been hard-won, from the removal of his breathing tube in February to his first wobbly journey on a balance bike.

Today, Zhengzeng is an active, happy little boy who keeps his parents on his toes.

“He learns fast, he writes, he knows all the numbers. We were told he would have delays, but he is very clever.”

The last few years have taken a toll on the family. Thanks to closed borders and Zhengzeng’s inability to travel, the couple have missed out on the valuable support of family back in China.

Their visits from Heart Kids support workers were a welcome light in a dark time.

“When we were in the hospital, lots of people said they were sorry or told me it would be all right. I didn’t need that. I needed real help.

Heart Kids always came into the room with toys and books for Zhengzeng, and food and coffee vouchers. They told me stories about other families, to let me know I wasn’t alone. I’m very grateful for Heart Kids. Don’t think you are alone, sitting in the dark.”