When parents Victoria and Tristan arrived at their routine 12-week scan, they were ready to see the first clear images of their baby. Instead, they found something was wrong with baby Selah’s heart.
A winding road ahead
The diagnosis came in stages, each appointment bringing more questions. They travelled from Ulverstone in Tasmania to Hobart, and then Melbourne, for tests. It was here they found out their growing baby had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.
From then on, the family travelled to Melbourne every three weeks for monitoring. At 35 weeks pregnant, Victoria moved into the Ronald McDonald House North Fitzroy at Casa Elda Vaccari to await Selah’s arrival.
When Selah was born, she was immediately transported to the Royal Children’s Hospital. At just five days old, she underwent her first open-heart surgery. But the journey wasn’t over. At three weeks old, Selah needed a second surgery. Then, at two months old, she had her most complex procedure yet.
“Handing her over to the surgical team was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done.”
Finding a sanctuary
Over these months of uncertainty, the House became a sanctuary. Victoria and Tristan alternated nights at the hospital, with one parent returning to the House to be with their other children, Willa and Navy.
Within our walls, the family maintained a sense of normalcy with Easter celebrations, school holidays and connecting with other families in the communal kitchen. Willa and Navy even formed lasting friendships in the playroom.
“There’s something incredibly comforting about being surrounded by people who understand exactly what you’re facing. Those quiet chats in the kitchen or shared smiles became little lifelines.”
While the family continues regular check-ups in Melbourne, Selah is growing stronger, and they know Ronald McDonald House is here when they need it.