Through the wringer: Tammi Butters with Kirra, pictured in the inset during her struggle to survive heart complications.
By Michelle Herbison
NEWBORN Kirra’s heart trouble forced mum Tammi Butters to rush her from Geelong to Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital just a week after premature birth.
Doctors performed three surgical procedures on little Kirra’s heart, repairing her aortic arch and two holes.
“She was kept asleep for quite a while and she didn’t feed for probably four days,” Ms Butters said.
“She went through the wringer a bit.”
Ms Butters said she survived the traumatic occasion thanks to much-needed support from charity Heart Kids.
“They’re just so good. Until you’re in that situation you don’t realise what they can do for families especially with kids going through the surgeries.
“They do morning teas for people who are there so you can meet other parents. It was really helpful.”
Ms Butters was grateful that Heart Kids also arranged accommodation for her in Melbourne while Kirra was in hospital.
She was now organising a Cuppa for Heart Kids morning tea fundraiser to give back to the organisation.
“They are not-for-profit and receive no government funding, so they’re solely based on volunteers and donations.”
Ms Butters said Cuppa for Heart Kids, 10am, Tuesday at Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre, would include tea, coffee, morning tea and children’s activities including a clown and face painting.
Donations were open at www.fundraiseonline.com.au/kirrabutters/ and readers could also “like” a Facebook page at www.facebook .com/pages/Cuppa-for-HeartKids-Kirra-Butters/176862749104887.
