Fontan Surgery, ANZFAC and Lived Experience with Jonathan Mackley

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.HEARTKIDSFrom 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.auCOPYRIGHTAll content on this podcast is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced, repurposed, republished, or copied, in any form, without permission.Repurposing or republishing content from this podcast, even with credit and acknowledgement to the creators, host, and guest, does not provide an exemption to this copyright.