Fontan Surgery, ANZFAC and Lived Experience with Jonathan Mackley

From The Heart: The HeartKids Podcast

From The Heart: The HeartKids Podcast
Fontan Surgery, ANZFAC and Lived Experience with Jonathan Mackley
Sep 04, 2025 Season 4 Episode 14
HeartKids

In this episode of From the Heart, Jonathan Mackley shares his journey from being born with a complex heart condition and undergoing one of the earliest Fontan surgeries, to becoming a strong voice in the HeartKids community. 

Jonathan talks about growing up in the 70s and 80s, the shift from limited supports to today’s networks, and how connection with others living with congenital heart disease transformed his perspective. 

He reflects on advocacy, co-founding the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Community, and why lived experience is so vital in shaping research, healthcare, and everyday choice.

HEARTKIDS

From The Heart is brought to you by HeartKids, the only national not-for-profit solely focused on supporting and advocating for people affected by childhood-onset heart disease.

For support, information or guidance on your CoHD journey, call the HeartKids Helpline on 1800 432 785 or visit the website at https://www.heartkids.org.au

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