Heart Kids NZ is calling on workplaces and individuals across the country to “Hero Up” this September and support children living with heart conditions.
Every week in New Zealand, 12 families are told their child has a heart condition.
For those families, life becomes a cycle of hospital visits, uncertainty, and emotional strain.
Heart Kids NZ said its annual Heroes for Heart Kids campaign aims to ease that burden by raising funds to provide both practical and emotional support.
The campaign encourages people to get involved in simple and creative ways, from hosting a Hero Day at work, to signing up as a street collector, running a fundraiser, or making a donation.
Heart Kids NZ said every dollar raised goes directly towards helping children with heart conditions and their families.
One of this year’s “Heart Heroes” is Valéria Purcell, whose name fittingly means “to be strong, to be brave.” She was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot at just 20 weeks gestation.
Valéria – One of the 2025 Heart Heroes / supplied
Her mother recalls that support from Heart Kids began even before Val was born, with a representative visiting her at home while she was on bed rest. “She gave me real-life insight into what life with a heart kid might look like – from a family perspective rather than a medical one. Seeing photos of her boy living a full and happy life gave me so much hope at a time when I needed it most,” she said.
Val was born on 22 October 2024 and initially appeared healthy, spending three days in NICU before being discharged. However, only days later her oxygen levels dropped, and she was rushed to hospital. At just two weeks old, after more than 20 Tet spells, she was transferred to Starship PICU and placed on ECMO (a form of life support) before undergoing a stent procedure.
In April 2025, Val underwent open heart surgery, facing a number of complications including dialysis, a pneumothorax, and a chylothorax that left her dependent on tube feeding. Today, she is doing well with her heart health, slowly reintroducing purées but still requiring tube feeding for hydration.
Her family said the support of Heart Kids staff during long stays in hospital made all the difference. “They visited us every weekday, checking in, listening, and sometimes just making us laugh. The work they do is absolutely invaluable,” they said.
Heart Kids said Valéria’s story is just one of many that show why community support matters. “Whatever you choose, your support will help provide care for heart families across New Zealand – when and where they need it most,” a spokesperson said.
More information, including fundraising resources and sign-up details, is available at www.heroesforheartkids.org.nz
