Will

William (Will) Porter, now 20, was diagnosed with a rare and serious congenital heart condition shortly after birth. At the time, his doctors said it was unlikely he would survive for more than two or three days.

Will’s left ventricle is fibrous and undersized so at just two-days-old, he underwent a fenestrated Norwood procedure – the first of four reconstructive surgeries to create a one-way circulation for blood flow through the heart to the body, then directly back to the lungs.

Will’s condition is among the most severe forms of heart defect. Fortunately, the survival rate is much higher in children today than it was 30 years ago, when most babies did not survive beyond infancy.

Will is now attending university and studying International Tourism and Hotel Management – something his mother, Lisa never thought he would be able to do.

Thanks to the care provided over the past 20 years of treatment at the Mater Hospital and now Queensland Children’s Hospital, Will can now transition into adult care – which is a testament to the advancement in cardiac treatments in recent years.

Mum Lisa said:

“Over the past 20 years we’ve been in and out of hospital with four different surgeries and countless outpatient appointments. It’s been a tough journey but Will is a special boy with a strong personality and a positive attitude that everything just rolls off his back. I want to share my story with other families because we have been so lucky with Will’s progress and I want them to know there can be a positive outcome – Will has definitely shown that.

“I would say to other families don’t invite trouble in until it comes, so really don’t worry about what hasn’t happened yet.”