Aurelia’s Story: Living with Half a Heart
At just ten years old, Aurelia has already faced challenges most of us could scarcely imagine. Born with a single ventricle — often described as having “half a heart” — her journey has been shaped by surgeries, hospital stays, and the uncertainty of what the future may bring. Yet when you meet Aurelia, the first thing you notice isn’t her condition — it’s her determination, courage, and infectious spirit.
Facing Surgery with Courage
Since infancy, Aurelia has required multiple surgeries to help her heart function. She doesn’t remember the earliest ones, but her memories of the most recent operation at four-and-a-half are still vivid.
“I was really nervous,” she recalls, “but my play therapist told me all about the operation beforehand, so I felt prepared. And all the nurses and doctors said how brave I was.”
Her story reminds us just how vital preparation and emotional support are for young patients. By helping Aurelia understand what was happening, her care team gave her not only knowledge but also confidence.
Balancing the Good and the Hard
Like many children with congenital heart disease, Aurelia’s memories of hospital life are a mixture of the good and the difficult. She fondly remembers simple comforts like “the jacket potatoes” and the kindness of her nurses, who became a second family during long hospital stays.
But she also remembers the pain — learning to walk again with tubes attached, and the constant presence of discomfort. Yet even in these moments, Aurelia found strength. “I’m super proud of myself and how brave I was,” she says.
Growing Up with CHD
Today, Aurelia attends regular check-ups at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where she undergoes a range of tests to monitor her heart. She knows there’s a possibility she may need another operation as she grows older — but rather than living in fear, she faces this reality with quiet resilience.
“I don’t let my heart condition stop me from living a normal life and doing all the things my friends do,” Aurelia explains. Though she sometimes gets tired or out of breath more quickly than others, she refuses to let that define her.