Two Feet & A Heartbeat: Geraldton toddler inspires walk for families living with childhood heart disease

When 18-month-old Noah Gould was born in Geraldton, his parents Caitlin Farrell and Mathew Gould had no idea of the harrowing challenges ahead. Within hours, Noah was urgently transferred by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to Perth Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition called transposition of the great arteries. At just 36 hours old, Noah underwent lifesaving open-heart surgery. His recovery was anything but straightforward, requiring CPR, dialysis, ventilation and a temporary pacemaker in his first few weeks of life, as well as worries about long-term effects. His parents described the experience as both “traumatic and life-changing”. Although Noah does not now require further surgery, he will need lifelong cardiac monitoring. “He’s now a thriving, happy and active toddler who shows no signs of slowing down. We are so proud of our boy and so incredibly thankful to all who were involved in his journey,” Noah’s parents said. The Gould family will join Geraldton’s Two Feet & A Heartbeat Walk on Sunday, October 12, an annual event hosted by HeartKids to raise awareness and funds for children living with childhood-onset heart disease. HeartKids encourages participants to walk 4km in honour of the four young lives lost to CoHD each week, or 8km to recognise the eight babies born daily in Australia with a heart condition. All funds raised will be used to support vital services and programs in hospitals and communities, particularly in regional areas. HeartKids CEO Marcus Sandmann said Two Feet & A Heartbeat was an important walk to honour the 250,000 CoHD patients in Australia and their families. “I encourage you to join Two Feet & A Heartbeat and walk with us to support our heart families with in-hospital services, family support programs and other vital resources,” he said. “Two Feet & A Heartbeat brings together families, friends and volunteers to remember those who have passed away from childhood-onset heart disease as well as celebrate children living with a heart condition. “It is an event that raises awareness and hope for the families that are affected by heart disease.” Despite a difficult start to life, Noah’s story is one of strength, hope and community support — a reminder of why events like Two Feet & a Heartbeat are so important. “It allows us to give back in such a small way to an organisation who supported us during our most challenging time,” Noah’s parents said. “We are forever grateful to the HeartKids family for their kindness, generosity and dedication to the children and their families. It’s a truly remarkable organisation.”