Eliza Wright was diagnosed with a heart condition, described as ‘significant whole and partial anomalous venous drainage’ at the age of 7. She had surgery when she was 8, and complications resulted in a stent being implanted a few months later.

Eliza’s surgery was carried out in the summer before she entered year 4. Before her surgery, she was very thin and struggled in physical activities. However, during year 4 she grew in confidence and began to excel in sport. She joined the netball team and by the next year was made not only captain of the team, but sports captain for the whole school. This year she led her netball team into second place in a tournament with 16 schools.

Eliza has to be aware of her stent and make sure it is functioning OK, but it doesn’t stop her leading a full and active life. She is now 11, and awaiting further surgery to extend her stent.

---