Hemi Andrews pictured in the studio for Telethon.
BREAKING: Five-year-old Hemi Andrews, known for his extraordinary spirit despite living with a congenital heart defect, is capturing hearts across Australia as Telethon 2025 kicks off. Hemi, who has undergone six open heart surgeries and battles a condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, showcases remarkable courage and joy amidst ongoing health challenges.
Hemi’s mother, Brooke English, shared the family’s emotional journey with The West Australian, highlighting Hemi’s infectious smile and unyielding zest for life. “Although he looks like the happiest little boy on Earth right now, the reality is, Hemi’s future is completely unknown,” Brooke stated, emphasizing the uncertainty that looms over their lives.
Born on March 20, 2020, the day the world began to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, Hemi was whisked away for immediate medical care. He has since defied the odds, overcoming complications such as pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Brooke recalled the harrowing moments after Hemi’s first surgery at just five days old, where he was on life support, his tiny chest left open for doctors to monitor his heart.
After a lengthy stay in Brisbane that extended from a planned four months to nearly ten due to Hemi’s critical condition, the family returned to Perth with heavy hearts, initially preparing for end-of-life care. However, surrounded by love and support from their community, Hemi showed signs of improvement, allowing him to undergo a successful second heart surgery at Perth Children’s Hospital in September 2021.
Hemi’s journey has not been without setbacks. Most recently, he faced additional surgeries to address complications from a failing tricuspid valve. Despite these challenges, Hemi continues to thrive, attending kindergarten and playing with his sisters, Aaliyah and Melanie, demonstrating an incredible resilience that inspires those around him.
During a recent visit from The West Australian, Hemi proudly showcased a special gift from HeartKids, a charity dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood heart disease. His red HeartKids bag, filled with 266 tiny beads—each representing a medical procedure he has endured—serves as a testament to his incredible journey.
Brooke expressed gratitude for the support from organizations like Telethon and HeartKids, emphasizing the critical role they play in raising awareness and providing resources for children like Hemi. “We are so thankful to Telethon, to HeartKids, to the surgeons and the hospitals,” she said. “The awareness, research, and care they make possible give children like Hemi a fighting chance—a chance to live, to grow, and to keep showing the world just how strong a little heart can be.”
As Telethon 2025 unfolds, Hemi Andrews continues to be a beacon of hope and strength, reminding us all of the power of love, family, and determination. His journey is not just a story of survival but a celebration of life, urging communities to come together and support those facing similar challenges.
Stay tuned for more updates on Hemi’s journey and how Telethon 2025 aims to make a difference for families like his across Australia.
