Ruby's Journey
Ruby’s Journey in Numbers
Ruby’s journey is one of strength and resilience. Every mile we Run with Ruby and every pound raised helps more children like Ruby get the life-saving care they need.
2018 – A Life-Changing Diagnosis
From the moment we heard the words "something is wrong with your baby’s heart", our world changed forever.
At our 22-week scan, excitement turned to fear when doctors discovered something was wrong with Ruby’s heart. We were told she had Tetralogy of Fallot, a serious congenital heart defect affecting blood flow to the lungs. The news was devastating. We were urgently referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), where our journey truly began.
February 18, 2019 – Ruby’s Arrival
March 15, 2019 – First Open-Heart Surgery
At just one month old, Ruby underwent her first open-heart surgery at GOSH. This was a critical procedure to improve blood flow and give her the best possible start in life.
September 19, 2019 – Second Open-Heart Surgery
Six months later, a leak in Ruby’s valve meant she needed another procedure. It was initially planned as keyhole surgery, but at the last minute, doctors decided open-heart surgery was the safest option. What we expected to be a two-day hospital stay turned into a week
September 25, 2019 – Home, Then a Setback
Ruby was finally discharged, but shortly after, she developed a high fever. Tests revealed a deep wound infection attacking her bone and tissue, and we were rushed back to GOSH for urgent care.
October 1, 2019 – Third Open-Heart Surgery & Intensive Treatment
With the infection worsening, Ruby underwent her third open-heart surgery. To help her fight the infection, a PICC line was installed so she could receive antibiotics every four hours.
October 7, 2019 - Transferred Back to Norwich for Recovery
Once stable, Ruby was transferred to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, where she remained for four more weeks receiving intravenous antibiotics. It was a long and exhausting journey, but Ruby continued to show the incredible strength that has defined her life.
October 30, 2019 – Finally Home
After nearly a year of hospital stays, surgeries, and setbacks, Ruby finally came home for good. It was the end of a long and difficult chapter, and the beginning of a life filled with hope, love, and resilience.