Pushing forward

After a tough start to life filled with surgeries and setbacks, three-year-old Ella has found new strength – and a reason to keep walking – thanks to a simple toy from Satan’s Little Helper.

When Ella was born, it was clear something wasn’t right. She struggled to breathe and had trouble gaining weight. At just four weeks old, she was rushed to hospital, where doctors discovered the reason – large holes in her heart and a twisted valve.

“She was taken to Starship’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit to try and get her strength and weight up for surgery,” says Mikayla, her mum. “Sadly, this didn’t happen and a few days later she underwent a huge operation.”

It was the first of many steps on Ella’s long and uncertain medical journey. After three months of ups and downs, she finally made it home and met her extended family.

Since then, she’s spent more time in Starship Hospital. Seizures affected her development and balance. A second surgery helped drain fluid built up from damage caused by tubes placed during her earliest days. Her nasal and ear passages had been underdeveloped – another challenge on a list that seemed never-ending.

But, despite it all, Ella has remained cheerful, curious and full of love – especially for her dolls, her family and her walks.

Walking with purpose – and a pram

Thanks to Satan’s Little Helper, Ella now has something that makes every walk a little more special – a new toy pram, just the right size for a little girl with big plans.

“The pram has helped Ella so much,” says Mikayla. “We take it out with us wherever we go, but she especially loves taking it to the supermarket and putting her snacks and treats in the basket underneath.”

From visiting sheep and cows across the road from her home, to walking her baby dolls to her great-grandparents’ house, Ella’s pram isn’t just a toy – it’s a tool for building strength, balance and confidence.

“It’s helped her build up her strength in her legs because she uses it so much,” says Mikayla. “It’s also made her more confident. She was a very shy kid – now, when people stop to talk to her about her pram and her dolls, she isn’t as shy.”

Growing stronger every day

Ella’s health is in a good place right now. Since receiving grommets, she hasn’t had another seizure. There are no major procedures planned – just ongoing monitoring of her heart, where doctors are keeping an eye on a larger-than-usual valve.

“Hopefully she’ll grow into it,” says Mikayla. “The only thing she might need again is grommets.”

At home, Ella is thriving. She’s just turned three and she lights up every time she gets to take her pram on another adventure.

“She smiles and waves to all the people in the supermarket,” says Mikayla. “She takes her baby dolls everywhere in their pram.”