Galway family fundraising for six-month-old baby in need of heart transplant

Cillian and Leesha, the parents of adorable little Luke Myles, were recently given the bad news that their healthy and happy baby had a rare heart condition.

His condition, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, when it reaches a certain stage, will see Luke in need of a transplant to prevent organ failure.

“Luke is an amazing six-month-old baby boy. He is a happy, bright and bubbly child who loves playing with his toys almost as much as he enjoys his milk and newly introduced solids,” a GoFundMe page set up by family friend Jonathan Healy reads.

“Up until quite recently, he was a perfectly healthy child.

“His parents Lesha and Cillian had their worlds abruptly turned upside down when they were told he had a rare heart condition, upon bringing him to hospital when he had been unwell for an extended period following his immunisations."

“Besides all the risks, complications and difficulties involved with a heart transplant, the chances of getting a good match, and where you sit in ‘the queue’, means wait times can be very long with some patients not surviving to transplant,” Jonathan explains.

Luke is currently in hospital in Newcastle getting treatment which is not available in Ireland.

His heart is currently being supported by a VAD (Ventricular Assist Device), a mechanical pump which keeps his tiny heart beating.

“Although Luke’s parents still hope and pray for a miracle that his heart will heal given time, they are glad that he is in a place where he can get all the support that he needs.”

Jonathan has asked for donations to cover the family's additional living expenses incurred by relocating to, and living out of, a hospital in the UK while still having rent, bills and all the normal expenses to pay at home.

“Any and all money left over will be re-donated to charities and organisations which have helped them along in their journey,” he added.

“Luke’s parents would like to use the opportunity to implore everyone (who would feel comfortable doing so) to become organ donors.

“You will not need your organs when you are gone, but they could give the most precious gift of life to someone else.”