A Work of Heart

Here at Think Concepts, we’re proud to have some fantastic customers. One standout is Heart Kids NZ who provide vital support services to families navigating the challenging journey of raising a child with a heart condition. In this blog, we’re switching gears to spotlight this amazing charity and the incredible work they do in the community.

Life can change in a heartbeat

For more than 40 years, Heart Kids NZ has been providing Kiwi families who have a child with a heart condition vital support and services. Children like teenager Takikava Joseph who developed rheumatic heart disease after a sore throat. It means he’ll eventually need a heart valve replacement. And toddler Aiden Frampton who was diagnosed with serious heart issues at just two days old. This little fighter has spent more of his life in hospital than at home.

We caught up with Heart Kids NZ’s advisor Laurel Ketel to find out more about how this amazing charity supports children like Takikava and Aiden, and their families.

Laurel explains there are around 40 different types of childhood heart conditions.  These are either congenital – something you’re born with such as a heart defect or syndrome) or acquired – such as rheumatic heart disease or myocarditis. “Whatever the diagnosis, whatever the age, being told your child has a heart condition can turn your whole world upside-down,” says Laurel.

“We’ve had families with babies facing open heart surgery at one day old, others with children on the list for a heart transplant. It’s really hard to imagine how frightening that is for the whole family,” says Laurel.

“The diagnosis is just the beginning. Then there’s the tests, procedures, hospital visits, surgeries, and all the uncertainty that comes with each of those. When you start to consider other factors like sorting emergency accommodation, families being separated, caring for other children, and the financial impact of not being able to work, it’s easy to see why support is needed.”

A lifelong journey

Heart Kids NZ is the only national organisation in New Zealand that provides free, lifelong care and support for children, teens, and adults, and families impacted by heart conditions. 

With teams based all over New Zealand, families in need can be supported when and where they need it most. Each region has their own community support workers who look after families who need it.

“The thing about Heart Kids NZ is that it's a community of people that understand what the families going through, and how much difference a little support can make” says Laurel.

“It could be arranging counselling support for a couple who’ve had an unexpected diagnosis during pregnancy, or providing grocery vouchers for families who have a child in hospital. Or it could be just checking in with parents to ask ‘are you okay, do you need anything?’” says Laurel. 

Heart Kids NZ also facilitates supportive coffee groups, organises annual camps for children, provides family support workers, specialised counselling support, and so much more. As Laurel explains, it’s not just a case of ‘you’ve had surgery or treatment, so now you’re fixed.’ Rather, they’ll need support throughout the year, throughout their whole life.

“So we often say that we’re there for every step of the heart journey from when the condition is diagnosed through the teenage years and into adulthood.”

Pumped for a challenge?

After a COVID pause, the Heart Stopper Challenge is back! This cool fundraising event is held in October and November. All money raised helps support Heart Kids NZ families when they need it most.

It’s a great way for work teams to challenge themselves and enjoy some team bonding in the process. It’s free to enter, and it only takes 6 minutes! All you have to do is head along to your local Heart Stopper event and plunge yourself into some ice-cold water. We promise – it’s not that bad!

The Think Concepts Team taking the Heart Stopper Challenge in 2018

But first, you’ll need to register online then get some sponsors on board. It’s fun, easy, and can make a real difference to thousands of Kiwi families.

Not keen on an icy experience? No worries, you can also help support Heart Kids NZ at the click of a button with an instant donation. And if you’re a merch fan, check out some of the great products you can buy to support the charity and show your support.