Children's Heart Network

Children's Heart Network We support families dealing with congenital or acquired heart disease.

Meet Benaksh! "A Little Heart, So Very BraveAt just seven months old, he already carries a story bigger than most grown-...
02/21/2026

Meet Benaksh!

"A Little Heart, So Very Brave

At just seven months old, he already carries a story bigger than most grown-ups.
His journey began even before he was born, when a 20-week scan quietly revealed a rare name—Tetralogy of Fallot. It sounded heavy and frightening, but tucked inside that tiny chest was a heart far stronger than anyone imagined.

From the moment he entered the world, he smiled his way through challenges, teaching everyone around him what courage really looks like. Last week on 8th Jan, that little heart went through a great test—a surgery that asked more of him than most babies are ever asked to give.

And he did it.

He came out strong. Calm. Resilient. As if to say, “I’ve got this.”
Just four days later, he was ready to go home, surprising doctors and filling his family with awe and gratitude.

Now he is back where he belongs—at home, surrounded by love, cuddles, and familiar voices. Recovering, healing, and smiling like nothing could dim his joy. A happy baby with a brave heart, beating steadily, writing a story of hope with every breath.

So small. So strong.
A little warrior whose heart already knows how to fight—and how to love. 💙" - Benaksh's mom

You are cordially invited to our 22nd gala benefitting children living with congenital heart defects and their families....
02/20/2026

You are cordially invited to our 22nd gala benefitting children living with congenital heart defects and their families.

Join us for an evening of courage, laughter and good company.

Early bird tickets on sale until March 16, get yours today: https://trellis.org/the-childrens-heart-network-gala-2026

By supporting our programs, you support our families. Get your tickets today.trellis.org/chn-heart-month-5050-draw
02/20/2026

By supporting our programs, you support our families. Get your tickets today.

trellis.org/chn-heart-month-5050-draw

Meet Charlie!"Charlie was born in October 2020 with critical aortic stenosis and mixed mitral valve disease. At only 24 ...
02/20/2026

Meet Charlie!

"Charlie was born in October 2020 with critical aortic stenosis and mixed mitral valve disease. At only 24 hours old, he was rushed from Richmond Hospital to BC Children's when the pulse oximetry screening showed something was not right.

In those early days, doctors tried everything they could, including medication and catheterization in the hopes that he could get bigger and that it would open up some options but his tiny body just couldn’t keep going. At 42 days old, he was put back on life support.

Our local surgeon at the time didn’t feel confident that a positive outcome was possible, so Charlie was placed on an air ambulance and flown to SickKids in Toronto; our last and best hope.

What followed were three long months in the Cardiac Critical Care Unit during the height of the pandemic. Charlie endured nearly every complication imaginable including
NEC, chylothorax, a paralyzed diaphragm, varicella exposure and ectopic atrial tachycardia. He underwent two open-heart surgeries, and then slowly, incredibly, he began to turn a corner. He came off the ventilator. He started to gain weight. He started to show us just how strong he was.

Because transport teams were in short supply during COVID, we didn’t know when we’d be allowed to fly home. When the call finally came, we decided not to tell his dad. Instead we surprised him, bringing Charlie home against all odds to a warm welcome from our amazing team at BCCH.

Charlie’s journey didn’t end there. Since then, he has faced three more open-heart surgeries spending over 20 hours in the OR and now lives with a mechanical valve. His scars tell a story of survival. His strength tells a story of hope and the miracle of medicine.

Today, Charlie is in kindergarten and thriving. He has always been the happiest kid in the room, as if he knows just how precious life truly is. He is an example of rising above pain and struggle. When we go to the hospital, Charlie is excited and brave, even when things are scary. In the middle of the night in emergency rooms, he shows gratitude and patience far beyond his years.

Charlie teaches us every single day that the odds do not define us, and that life, no matter how fragile, was meant to be lived. We are eternally grateful to everyone who has taken care of Charles in his amazing 5 years but especially to his cardiologist Dr Harris who has supported and advocated for Charlie and our whole family. There's no doubt why he's Charlie's hero. " - Charlie's mom

Meet Layla!“She is a healthy and athletic 11 year old now!” - Layla's mom
02/19/2026

Meet Layla!

“She is a healthy and athletic 11 year old now!” - Layla's mom

Meet Luca!"Luca had heart surgery at just 5 weeks old and although it was a scary time for our family we are so lucky! L...
02/18/2026

Meet Luca!

"Luca had heart surgery at just 5 weeks old and although it was a scary time for our family we are so lucky! Luca is thriving and fills every day with light and laughter. We are forever grateful to our team at BCCH and our friends at the CHN! " - Luca's mom

Meet Dominic!"Born with a special heart, Dominic shows us that hope can be stronger than any diagnosis. His strength and...
02/17/2026

Meet Dominic!

"Born with a special heart, Dominic shows us that hope can be stronger than any diagnosis. His strength and resilience inspire greater awareness for CHD. " - Dominic's mom

Meet Mheera!"That she is an amazing little girl that never lets her hard block come in the way off, achieving anything. ...
02/16/2026

Meet Mheera!

"That she is an amazing little girl that never lets her hard block come in the way off, achieving anything. She is resilient and has a heart of gold and loves helping." - Mheera's mom

This Heart Month, support children and families affected by congenital and acquired heart disease by taking part in the ...
02/15/2026

This Heart Month, support children and families affected by congenital and acquired heart disease by taking part in the Children’s Heart Network 50/50 Draw.

Buy tickets here: https://trellis.org/chn-heart-month-5050-draw

Every ticket helps fund vital programs, family supports, and advocacy efforts across British Columbia, while also giving you the chance to win half the jackpot.

It is a simple way to make a meaningful impact and share the love this February - thank you for your support!

Please meet Cammi-Rae, a wonderful four year old who was born with tri cor triatriatum and an ASD."She has gained so muc...
02/15/2026

Please meet Cammi-Rae, a wonderful four year old who was born with tri cor triatriatum and an ASD.

"She has gained so much energy since her surgery and we can’t believe how much it has affected her before! She’s thriving now! " - Cammi-Rae's mom

Please meet Camden! "Camden loves playing tball and with monster trucks. He also loves fishing!" - Camden's mom
02/14/2026

Please meet Camden!

"Camden loves playing tball and with monster trucks. He also loves fishing!" - Camden's mom

Meet Christina!"She was born with also with esophageal atresia, and down syndrome. She plays piano, is a brown belt in m...
02/14/2026

Meet Christina!

"She was born with also with esophageal atresia, and down syndrome. She plays piano, is a brown belt in mixed martial arts, is in a drama program currently and also volunteers. She's amazing!" - Christina's mom

Address

PO Box 21084 Maple Ridge Square RPO
Burnaby, BC
V2X1P7

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