Leonardo - the brave, Heart Surgery

Quote from Leigh Kordahi 2nd March, 2019 

“Today I kept thinking back to the day we had our 20 weeks scan and were told we were having a boy. I was so excited and then nearly threw up when we were told that his heart wasn’t developing properly. The longest five days followed to await ultrasounds and appointments that would tell us what the problem was and what we were in for. 

We were told there would be a higher chance of our boy having developmental delays and that the several heart defects would be repaired through multiple surgeries. Almost a year later and I am so grateful for this absolute joy - this boy has defied all odds. Of course there have been challenges and days where I don’t want to keep walking this path. I have questioned God and who He is. So far I have come to this conclusion: we live in a broken world but we also live in a beautiful one where our weakness shows Gods strength and how much we need Him. Our plan isn’t always Gods plan but His plan is always good. 

I couldn’t imagine life without my precious boy and I am forever thankful for medicine and smart doctors and surgeons who can keep our Leo living...” 

Our gorgeous great-grandson Leonardo John Kordahi was born on 13th November 2018.  He is the son of our grandson Mitchell and his wife Leigh and is the baby brother of sweet Zariah Grace.  As Leigh said in the quote above Leo was born with a number of complex heart defects requiring multiple surgeries.


Leo’s first open heart surgery took place when he was only six days old and now, at almost six months old, his second open heart surgery is just around the corner on 7th May 2019.  

All of Leo’s life saving surgeries will take place in The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.  Thanks  to our amazing medical system many of the expenses of this and subsequent surgeries are covered by the Australian Government. This being said Mitchell and Leigh will still have a number of out of pocket expenses such as food/meals, accommodation, transport and general living costs.  In order to be with his family at this time Mitchell will not be working which means they won’t have any income for the duration of Leo’s surgery and recovery.

This has not been an easy journey for our family especially Mitch, Leigh, Zariah and Leo - so we will continue to pray, as we have been and know many others are doing the same.  As well as pray we would like to help them practically.  Other people have also asked how they can help to support them financially..... so we felt this GoFundMe page was a good avenue for this. 

If you would like to support Mitch and Leigh you can give as little or as much as you would like.  Every dollar donated will help to alleviate some of the stress and pressure that they will experience during this difficult, emotional and faith filled journey.

You can also help by continuing to pray for this beautiful family as well as sharing this link on your social media!


Thanks for the support. We will continue to add updates on Leo over the coming weeks.

Jeremy and Linda Steadman