A young boy placed on life support as doctors discover devastating heart condition

The young boy has been placed on life-support for an indefinite period as doctors struggle to keep him alive.

A visit to the GP with extreme tiredness and a swollen face has turned into an indefinite hospital stay for a 14-year-old boy diagnosed with a life-threatening condition.

On September 16, Dexter was admitted to the Mt Gambier Hospital with after seeing the GP.

Dexter’s family could not have prepared for the reality that doctors would soon discover: his heart had enlarged and toxic fluids were leaking to the rest of his body – affecting his lungs, stomach and liver.

The 14-year-old was transferred to Adelaide so doctors could attempt to drain the fluid but his body could not cope with the procedure.

Dexter was placed into a coma and placed on life support.

He is now at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne receiving further care.

Doctors told his parents Bianca and Damien his body was struggling to cope with the trauma and his heart would soon eventually fail.

Dexter, 14, in hospital with a failing heart. Picture: GoFundMe

Dexter's one saving grace would be a heart transplant.

His aunty, Jessica Witney from Mount Gambier, said Dexter’s stay in hospital could last for “months or years”.

His parents are now grappling with their new heartbreaking reality.

Three weeks ago, Bianca achieved a lifelong dream of launching Lucielles cafe and eatery with her sister and has now put the business on the back burner to support her son.

Damien has also now stopped working to support his son.

As Dexter remains on life support, Ms Witney has created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help provide financial support for Dexter’s family through their heartbreaking health journey.

“We want to do whatever we can do to help ease any financial stress on both parents and their respective families,” Ms Witney wrote on the fundraiser.

More than $19,000 has been raised so far. Donate here.