Telstra Tower and the Royal Australian Mint are among Canberra landmarks lighting up pink and blue tonight for Sweetheart Day, HeartKids’ annual fundraising campaign. Sweetheart Day encourages everyone to go beyond flowers and chocolates this Valentine’s Day, 14 February, and dig deep for Australian families impacted by Childhood-onset Heart Disease (CoHD) and to support crucial ongoing research into CoHD.

CoHD is the biggest cause of infant deaths in Australia, with over 200 lives lost each year and one baby born every three hours with the disease. There is no cure.

Taking place on Valentine’s Day each year, Sweetheart Day aims to raise up to $550,000 in vital funds to provide support to Australian patients and their carers or families, with a number of HeartKids’ existing philanthropic donors agreeing to match donations made on the day.

HeartKids CEO Lesley Jordan urges Australians to make a lifelong impact by supporting Sweetheart Day this year.

“CoHD is complex and often has implications throughout the whole of patients’ lives, as well as those of their carers and family members.

“In the 2023 financial year, HeartKids provided direct support to 1,412 families and 3,772 face-to-face support services. Funds raised from Sweetheart Day go to ensuring these support services continue, as well as significant research into the causes, management and treatment of CoHD.

“If you’re looking for a heartfelt way to show appreciation this February 14, what better way than by giving your heart to a Heart Kid?”

CoHD is a general term covering all types of heart abnormalities that begin in childhood, including both congenital heart disease and heart conditions acquired after birth. In 2023, there were over 80,000 Australians diagnosed as living with CoHD.

Toddler Kya is one of them, first diagnosed at the tender age of two weeks old and undergoing her first open-heart surgery at just 10 months. To Kya’s family, HeartKids is more than an organisation.

“HeartKids gave us a sense of relief, made us feel a lot less alone, and has always been there to support us when we needed someone just to listen,” says mum Alex. “They mean a great deal to our family, and we are very grateful to be a part of this amazing community.”

HeartKids ambassador, AFL player Jaidyn Stephenson is joining the fundraising push with the fifth annual Jaidyn’s Grand Event to be held on Thursday 29 February at the MCG.

Jaidyn, himself a Heart Kid, says the evening is always memorable and urges Melburnians and visitors to join in the fun.

“I live with a genetic heart condition every day and I count myself lucky I can play the sport I love while managing it with medication,” says Jaidyn.

“To be an ambassador for HeartKids, given my own heart condition, shows these kids can play sport at the highest level. It’s important they have hope that they can live a full life despite CoHD and I’m proud to support HeartKids where possible.”

Head to the Sweetheart Day page to donate at sweetheartday.org.au