We’re a week into our Mile A Day in May challenge and are honoured to share Hana’s story as she walks in memory of her beautiful daughter Michaela ❤️
We’re a week into our Mile A Day in May challenge and are honoured to share Hana’s story as she walks in memory of her beautiful daughter Michaela ❤️
“I came to Northern Ireland in November 2017 and was planning on just visiting for a few months. As God’s paths are unpredictable, I managed to find my now husband and now call Ballymena home.
In April 2020, we found out we were expecting. Everything seemed normal until later scans showed that our baby wasn’t growing as expected.
Our beautiful daughter, Michaela, was born on December 5th at just 35 weeks, weighing 1800g and was diagnosed with a complex heart condition — double outlet right ventricle with malposed great arteries. She was transferred from Antrim Hospital to the NICU at Belfast’s Royal Maternity Hospital, and then on to the PICU at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
Once Michaela had gained enough weight, we would need to travel to Dublin for her first heart surgery. Around this time, Cathy from Children’s Heartbeat Trust reached out to us. Coming from different cultural backgrounds, my husband and I weren’t sure at first how a charity could help, but we soon came to realise how invaluable their support would be.
We received emotional, practical and financial support. We also joined a local heart family group. The family support team were always just a phone call away and helped plan our trip to Dublin for Michaela’s surgery.
At just 8 weeks old, we got an emergency call from Clark Clinic that she sadly passed away the next day. CHT has been by our side ever since.
I’m part of the STARS bereavement support group for heart parents. We meet several times a year including at the Heart Warrior Walk where I honour Michaela. Through this group, I’ve found a new support network. We stay connected and are always there for each other.
As time passed, I was looking for a way I could give back in Michaela’s memory and that’s how Mile a Day In May came about. I have taken part in this challenge since it first began and will be taking part again this year. It’s a great way for me to get out and about, while supporting a wonderful cause in Michaela’s name.
The difference Children’s Heartbeat Trust has made to our lives is beyond words.
