Our beautiful daughter Jessica was born in September 2011 with a severe heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome. This was diagnosed at her 20 week scan and we were initially told that she was unlikely to be suitable for surgery. However, a pioneering in-utero operation at 28 weeks to enlarge a hole in her atrial septum was carried out and she was able to make it to term and get through her first open-heart surgery at just eight hours old. Jessica underwent five more surgeries during her life. Her final surgery - the Fontan procedure - took place in December 2017. She initially made a good recovery but sadly passed away suddenly on 14th April 2018 at the age of 6. This is the story of a little girl whose half a heart overflowed with love. She was, and will forever be, our little miracle and brought joy to all who knew her.

Media

Publications


August 2017 - Jessica's story is featured in the Daily Mirror to help raise awareness for Tiny Tickers.

June 2016 - The story of Jessica's in-utero surgery is featured in the Sunday Post

Tiny Tickers Christmas newsletter 2014

Let's Knit November 2014 - Jessica's photo was in the magazine as Little Hearts Matter were the featured charity of the month.


Little Hearts Matter newsletter Summer 2014

Heartline Families newsletter Summer 2014

Blog posts

Little Hearts Matter: Supporting Us On Our Journey - a post on the Little Hearts Matter blog sharing how this charity has helped us since Jessica's diagnosis.

Reflections of a Heart Dad - Michael shares his thoughts on being a heart dad on the Little Hearts Matter blog

Jessica's Handmade Heart - a post on Louise's blog sharing information about hypoplastic left heart syndrome and how Jessica's heart differs from a 'normal' heart.

In Pursuit of a Miracle - the story of our 22 week appointment and how fetal surgery gave us hope.

Christmas on the cardiac ward - the story of Jessica's first Christmas


Other

1st Uxbridge members fundraise for a cause close to their hearts - how Jessica's GB group helped support Friends of PICU

Jessica's story featured by Action Medical Research.

Our gold postbox challenge is mentioned in an article on BBC News.

Jessica's story as featured on the Tiny Tickers Big Tick campaign.


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