Pippa’s Journey: How a 3D Heart Model Helped One Young Girl Understand Her Story

At just three and a half years old, Pippa is already an extraordinary little girl with an extraordinary story — and thanks to the innovative work of our 3D Heart Project, she now has something remarkable to help her tell it: a physical model of her own heart.

Born prematurely and weighing only 2.2 kilograms, Pippa faced significant medical challenges from the very beginning. Diagnosed with a life-threatening intestinal condition and a complex congenital heart defect known as Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), her situation was critical. TGA, a serious condition where the heart’s two main arteries are reversed, prevents oxygen-rich blood from circulating properly and requires immediate surgical correction.

Due to her low birth weight and additional health concerns, Pippa’s treatment was anything but straightforward. She underwent a delicate open-heart procedure — an arterial switch operation — to realign the arteries and restore normal heart function. The surgery was successful, but her road to recovery was long. Over six months in hospital followed, during which her medical team worked tirelessly to stabilise her condition and support her development.

Now thriving at home and beginning to explore her world, Pippa has started to ask questions about her health and why she’s different. That curiosity led her family to the Heartbeat Education Centre, where her 3D-printed heart model is proudly displayed — the very model that guided her surgeons during the operation.

Tina and Tanya welcomed Pippa and her parents for a personal visit. They guided her through the heart model display, helping her understand her own story — and the stories of others — in a way that was both age-appropriate and deeply meaningful.

A powerful moment unfolded as Pippa held her very own 3D heart model in her hands. Her eyes lit up with curiosity and pride. For her parents, seeing her connect with her journey in such a tangible, emotional way was incredibly moving.

This is the true impact of the 3D Heart Project — not just in the operating room, but in helping young patients like Pippa understand their own resilience and uniqueness. We are honoured to have been part of her story.

This is why we do what we do.💖