Christmas Cards for Children's Heart Centre,OLCHC

Samantha Tighe is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Hi, my name is Samantha Clarke Tighe; I am a visual artist and a mother to our little heart Warrior Arlo. Arlo was born with multiple complex heart defects in September 2019. He was transferred to Crumlin hospital soon after birth, where he required major open heart surgery at just four days old to repair his interrupted aortic arch and to close a hole between the lower chambers of his heart (VSD). Arlo then went on to need more open heart surgery due to a severe aortic shelf obstruction, and he underwent the Ross Konno procedure at just 11 weeks old. This was a long and challenging surgery. It was 14 hours before we saw him again in the ICU. He was unrecognizable when we finally got to see him again, a week before I could hold him in my arms and two weeks before we knew for sure he'd come back to us, and we finally saw him smile again. Arlo was almost four months old by the time we got to bring him home for good. His time in Crumlin ultimately served him well as he received the best treatment from his fantastic cardiologist Dr. Orla Franklin, his incredible surgeon Mr. Lars Nolke and all the amazing nurses and care assistants in CHC and PICU. Arlo is doing super now, and he amazes us every day.

I have curated this selection of Christmas Cards that all feature a heart to represent all the heart children who have passed through the doors of the children's heart center and those just beginning their journey. All the artists involved have given up their own time, entirely voluntarily, to create these gorgeous drawings, digital illustrations and even a tapestry! We also have a team of other super heart Mammies who are giving up their time during this busy season to help me get these cards out. I want to say a huge thank you to them, the artists and the company who made a very generous donation to get our cards printed. What a team!

All these images will be available as digital Christmas cards. Once a donation has been made, we will send you your favourite artwork as a digital card. We can also personalise it by adding a message to family, friends or co-workers. We also have a limited number of printed cards available to purchase. All proceeds from the cards and any additional donations will go to the Heart Centre in Crumlin.

If you would like a digital card or want to request a pack of printed cards, please donate, include your email adresss in your donation comment and we will be in touch.