Ex-player and long-time supporter of the Waratahs Andrew Jeffrey has just welcome a new baby girl into the world, however AJ and his wife Sarah are currently battling through some hard times.
Their son Oliver was born on 13th February, however 2 days after birth went through open heart surgery to improve bloodflow.
Unfortunately Oliver was born with a heart only half formed and no bigger than the size of a 20 cent piece. He was born with hypoblastic left heart syndrome, a type of congenital disease where the left side of the heart does not form correctly, and hasn’t left the Children’s Hospital at Westmead since.
There is no cure, but there are procedures available to help Oliver live a normal life.
His second open heart surgery occurred with success 2 days ago, although it will still take a while to see the full affects of the operation.
The Jeffrey’s, who are now based in Newcastle, who have two other young daughters, have moved into the new Ronald McDonald House and put their eldest daughter into the hospital school.
Oliver is one of the thousands of patients helped by the Children’s Hospital at Westmead every year. at the beginning of March the hospital launched its month-long annual Bandaged Bear Appeal to raise vital funds to continue its lifesaving care.
The hospital encourages people to donate or hold a fundraising event for the cause.
For more information about the Bandage Bear Appeal and how to get involved, visit www.bandagedbear.org.au
The thoughts and love from everyone at the Manly Warringah Waratahs go out to Andrew, Sarah and Oliver.
