The body is the ultimate vehicle of life. Our brains lead the way, while our organs are the gears that keep our limbs moving. But what if the most important one has holes in it? Claire Lister was born with a congenital heart defect where all four of her chambers had punctures, forcing oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix. Further complications arose when Lister’s two main heart arteries crossed, leaving a shortage of oxygen to flow through her body. Her condition would have been fatal if not for a life-saving procedure at three years old. With her health restored, Lister is now taking the steps to provide medical intervention for others like her.
Last year, she turned to physical activity to illuminate her wellbeing and inspire people. “With running, I am hoping that parents and children with the condition are able to see that there is hope,” Lister says. Training five days a week, she participates in races and marathons to raise funds for the Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa. “CHD kills more children every year than any other illness or defect combined,” she says.
Assisting her efforts is Professor Robin Kinsley, the surgeon who performed two open-heart surgeries on Lister. While each procedure comes to around R400 000, Kinsley offers his services voluntarily. Unfortunately, theatre costs can’t go unpaid, which is why Lister is fundraising to support as many operations as she can. “I’m really proud to be a part of the Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa,” she says. “I hope that in some way, I am playing a part.” Having received the gift of life, Lister is using it to help others breathe easier.
Please sign in to leave a comment