A Birmingham mother, Georgeana, is on a mission to raise awareness about congenital heart disease after her newborn daughter, Novie, underwent urgent heart surgery just days after birth.
Georgeana’s pregnancy had been smooth, with all routine check-ups showing normal development. However, shortly after Novie was born in October, concerns began to mount.
Initially treated for an infection, Novie spent five days in hospital receiving antibiotics. Despite Georgeana repeatedly voicing concerns over her baby’s rapid breathing, medical staff reassured her it was normal.
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On the fourth day, Novie’s oxygen levels suddenly dropped, prompting an emergency transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit. She was diagnosed with pneumonia, but despite treatment, her oxygen saturation continued to decline.
It wasn’t until the seventh day that an echocardiogram revealed the true cause: Truncus Arteriosus, a rare and severe congenital heart defect.
The diagnosis necessitated immediate open-heart surgery, which was performed when Novie was just eight days old. The operation was successful, and now, at 14 weeks old, Novie is showing remarkable progress, although she will require lifelong cardiac care.
Determined to prevent other families from facing similar struggles, Georgeana is advocating for greater awareness of congenital heart disease in newborns.
“If I had known about Novie’s heart condition sooner, she wouldn’t have had to fight so hard just to survive those first critical days,” she said.
To mark Heart Week (February 7–14) and raise funds for Tiny Tickers—a charity dedicated to improving early detection and care for babies with heart defects—Georgeana is organizing a community event called ‘A Heart Like Novie’s.’
The fundraiser will take place on February 13 at The Hyland Hub, on the border of Northfield and Longbridge, from 12 pm to 4:30 pm. Festivities include face painting, a bake sale, a raffle, ‘Slime a Manager,’ leg waxing by the maintenance team, and more, supported by generous donations from local businesses.
An online fundraising page has also been set up to collect further contributions.
Georgeana hopes the event not only raises vital funds but also spreads awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and Tiny Tickers’ crucial work.
“Novie is such a strong, beautiful girl. Thanks to the incredible surgeons and medical team, she has a second chance at life. She continues to amaze me every day, and I’m so lucky to be her mum.”