Life Flight

Each week 28 people need time-critical aeromedical care. With your support, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Air Ambulance Planes are there in their moment of need.

Meet Lily from Wellington

Meet Lily

A diagnosis of Hypoclastic Left Heart Syndrome meant only half of Lily’s heart functioned normally. Diagnosed in-utero, Lily was born in Auckland so she could immediately start receiving speciality treatment only available there.

After undergoing open-heart surgery, Lily could finally go home to Wellington for the first time at two months of age.

Still in a very delicate state, Lily needed to be transported in a safe and sterile environment. Life Flight’s Air Ambulance plane was the best option to bring the family home.

With an expert medical team and a stock of high-tech medical equipment on board, Lily was in good hands.

Their journey continued, and at just 2-years-old, Lily became New Zealand’s youngest patient to receive a heart transplant.

Lily is now a happy four-year-old enjoying her first year at kindergarten. However, with her immune system constantly suppressed to prevent her body rejecting the donor heart, she must be hyper-aware of germs.

I felt really looked after. It was the first time we had Lily outside of the hospital environment, but it didn’t make me nervous because we were looked after so well.

– Lily’s mum, Veronika

Your support means we can be there for more little ones like Lily. Thank you for your wonderful support!

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