Ashlee and Tom Mihailoff’s children Mya, 6, Ella, 3, and Elias, 2, who have all been patients at Royal Children’s Hospital and are encouraging Adelaide locals to support this year’s Appeal.
Camera IconAshlee and Tom Mihailoff’s children Mya, 6, Ella, 3, and Elias, 2, who have all been patients at Royal Children’s Hospital and are encouraging Adelaide locals to support this year’s Appeal. Credit: News Corp Australia, Tom Huntley

The Mihailoff family of Mt Barker extend heartfelt thanks to Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, the saviour of kids across nation

Andrew DowdellThe Advertiser

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Melbourne and Adelaide’s rivalry encompasses sporting grudges, differing pronunciation of basic words and an unforgiven ‘theft’ of ‘our Grand Prix’ — but the Mihailoff family are proud of the special place the Victorian capital holds inside their hearts.

Tom and Ashlee Mihailoff are expecting their fourth child in July, a baby girl who will require open heart surgery in her first days of life in Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital to widen an aorta.

The family is only too familiar with the miraculous work performed at the hospital, renowned as one of the world’s leading centres for childhood heart disease.

Mrs Mihailoff said she could not imagine what life would be like without the Royal Children’s Hospital, which benefits from today’s annual Good Friday Appeal.

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“We probably wouldn’t have our kids to be honest if it wasn’t for the hospital and the staff there, who are amazing and have helped us so much even with emotional support,” she said.

“Even when we are in Melbourne on holidays we always go to the hospital. We have good memories there because our kids are alive because of that hospital.”

Their eldest daughter Mya, 6, underwent surgery at the Royal Children’s Hospital at three months old to repair a blockage in her aortic valve.

Despite the major surgery, the children are able to play with minimal restrictions, and Mya last week proved she was no slouch at her school sports day.

“Mya came first in her sports day races last Friday, so I was one of those mums cheering from the sidelines, she loves running and it was great to see her win the race,” she said.

The family’s second child Ella, 3, has an aortic defect but has not required surgery, while son Elias, almost 2, had major surgery to repair five holes in his heart when aged four months.

The fourth pregnancy provided another surprise in the parental journey for Tom, 32, and Ashlee, who turned 30 this week.

“We had decided we think we’re done and weren’t going to have any more, even three kids without any medical issues is hard enough. Then we found out I was pregnant and we were very shocked, I must say!” she laughed.

Learning to take adversity in their stride, the Mihailoff family is unsure how long daughter number three will remain in hospital after her surgery but have absolute faith in the medical staff there.

While the coming months are uncertain and daunting, there was one aspect of the future which Mrs Mihailoff was adamant about — there won’t be a fifth bundle of joy joining the clan.

“Oh, definitely not! My husband came from a family of five and I don’t know how his mum coped,” she said.

The Good Friday Appeal raises money for vital hospital equipment, education and research within The Royal Children’s Hospital. Donations can be made online at goodfridayappeal.com.au