Linkin has since undergone two open-heart surgeries at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). The life-saving procedure involves using the patient’s own tissue to repair the defects.

According to the deputy director of the RCH’s cardiac surgery unit, Associate Professor Yves d’Udekem, the procedure has the potential to spare young patients further surgery for at least 15 years. These children might ordinarily need at least three follow up surgeries in the subsequent 15 years.

During Linkin’s second surgery, a nerve connected to the diaphragm was paralysed, meaning that Linkin will need a tracheotomy tube to help him breath. Over the next six months, the tube will remain as the baby’s diaphragm strengthens to allow him to breathe on his own.

Linkin will leave the RCH at the end of the month, so his parents are learning how to maintain the breathing tube and how to provide round the clock care for their baby. Linkin’s father Luke said that the past few weeks have been the most difficult, watching a machine breath for his baby and not being able to hear him cry or laugh.

A/Prof D’Udekem says that although his start has been difficult, Linkin has a good future ahead of him thanks to early surgical intervention.

Donate to The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal at goodfridayappeal.com.au or phone 9292 1166.