A Christmas miracle awaits Tayan after hospital discharge

‘I had a cry’: A Christmas wish has come true for baby Tayan and his mum Katrina Brush who will head home to Townsville after a lengthy Brisbane hospital stay as his tiny body fought for life.

Tayan Brush, Katrina Brush and Jason Brush leaving ward 10b

Heartache was replaced with joy for a Townsville family this week after their baby boy was discharged from Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane set to spend his first Christmas at home to catch a glimpse of Santa as he passes by.

Tayan Brush was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) after birth in July 2023 with his left heart chamber not meeting the apex which meant it couldn’t pump blood properly. He also experienced narrowing on the aorta in his valves.

Tayan’s mum Katrina Brush said her little fighter has spent his life thus far in hospital enduring open heart surgery at six days, then undergoing a second life saving heart surgery at four and a half months.

“He got an infection at four weeks and put in intensive care but bounced back.” she said.

“Tayan is a happy little baby, we’ve had ups and downs but this experience has made us a lot closer as a family.

“Mater Mothers Hospital [where he was first treated] have been amazing and the midwife there was so helpful.

“The Children’s Hospital were also so emotionally supportive.

“My husband had to go back to Townsville for work and I luckily had the support of the nursing staff who were so supportive and I can’t thank them enough because they’ve given us back our baby.”

After six months, the Townsville family, comprising mum, dad and two siblings, are embarking on a 16-hour drive home and stopping every four hours to feed him via a gastric tube.

Tayan’s first Christmas will include a visit from Mr Claus and the extended family he has not met yet.

While the family resided in Brisbane they were accommodated in a Woolloongabba apartment while undergoing Complex Home Monitoring Program and then at Ronald McDonald House, but never 15 minutes away from a hospital.

Katrina said the family are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. after their son has been kept in a medical unit since birth.

“He has been given a chance at life now,” she said.

“It’s a lifelong condition and he will have another surgery when he is three or four but at least he has a life expectancy now.

“He won’t be able to exercise or do contact sports but it should not hold him back from living a full life.

“My husband and I feel anxious because we have a long journey ahead.

“I had a cry because it’s been a big ride but it’s now exciting and we can’t wait to get home.”

Katrina shared helpful advice for other parents in a similar position.

“It’s a long journey, it can be emotional but children are fighters and they’ll do it,” she said.

“Cherish every moment you’ve got with them.

“Heart Kids Queensland is also a great link for other families to tap into and find much-needed support.”

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