Piper’s Story

If you were to meet Piper, you’d never guess that this bright bundle of seven-year-old energy was born with a large hole in her heart. The condition caused extra blood to flow through Piper’s lungs and, though it didn’t cause her too many problems at first, but as she grew, her heart was forced to work harder. Eventually, the right side of her heart became dangerously enlarged, resulting in the need for corrective surgery.

As Piper grew she had become more aware and had started to struggle with anxiety around hospital appointments and scans. Now facing open heart surgery at only seven-years-old, she was very scared.

This is when Donna, a play specialist that you help fund, stepped in.

In the months leading up to her operation, Piper would meet with Donna on a regular basis. Using dolls, toy medical equipment and creative activities, Donna helped Piper understand exactly what to expect, from pre-operative blood tests right up to waking up after her operation. Bit by bit, the fear lessened and Piper began to feel ready.

Mum, Emma, said: “Donna helped Piper understand what would happen along every step, so she knew what to expect and felt less anxious. She also introduced Piper to the Beads of Courage programme. At each appointment or procedure, Donna would give Piper a colourful bead that together, represented her unique journey. Piper loved it because they were a reminder of every challenge she had faced and overcome. She even took them to school to show her friends!”

Piper had her open-heart surgery earlier this year. The operation was a complete success and thanks, at least in part, to the confidence and comfort she gained through play support, she recovered quickly.

Piper said: “Thank you so much to Donna. She is kind and lovely and helped me understand everything about my operation. She made my sessions really fun. We practiced blood tests, oxygen masks, and what would happen when I woke up. Donna helped take most of my worries away. Thank you, Donna, you’re the best!”

Thanks to supporters like you, the Noah’s Ark Charity has been able to help fund the therapeutic and specialist play service for 14 years. Thank you.