Seriously ill teenager, Geelong fan who had been hospitalized since last year’s grand final, makes Australian medical history by using an artificial heart machine to meet his Cats heroes
- Teenager was fitted with Berlin Heart
- Revolutionary technology used for heart donor patients
- Cats were inspired by his bravery in victory
A critically ill teenager was able to leave hospital for the first time in 243 days to watch his beloved Geelong Cats play with the help of an artificial heart.
Angus Dennis-Hewitt was at the AFL Grand Final last year to see his Cats claim the premiership, but has since been bedridden at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
The 17-year-old avoided death thanks in part to life-saving ‘Berlin Heart’ technology, which allowed him to leave hospital to watch Geelong beat the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
A Berlin Heart is a ventricular assist device that helps patients with severe heart failure by supporting the pumping function of their weakened heart.
It is an external mechanical pump that must be connected to the patient’s circulatory system – and Dennis-Hewitt has become the first Australian to leave hospital while being kept alive by one.
Angus hadn’t been out of hospital for 243 days but was able to meet all of his Geelong heroes in the hangars thanks to groundbreaking technology
Angus met several Geelong stars including Irishman Zach Tuohy (pictured) ahead of the game against Western Bulldogs
Angus is pictured with the Berlin Heart, a mechanical pump which helps with his blood circulation and saw him discharged from hospital for the first time since last year’s grand final
The Berlin Heart is often used as a temporary solution for patients awaiting a heart transplant, bridging the gap until a suitable donor heart becomes available.
“I came in for routine heart surgery,” Angus said on the Good Friday call in September.
“Five open-heart surgeries later, here I am with these machines.”
Dennis-Hewitt was welcomed into the Geelong sheds ahead of the match with his mum and dad, where he was introduced by Cats champion Tom Stewart.
“The effort Angus is making right now is just amazing,” Stewart told his teammates before the game.
“Having you here, buddy, is actually an honor.
“When I first met you, you had a real impact on me. Seeing you here tonight is really special.
Stewart channeled the bravery of Dennis-Hewitt to help inspire the Cats to a vital 22-point victory over the Dogs to cement their place in the top eight.
‘The week we’ve had, we’re talking about being a little bold, a little brave [on the field],’ he said.
“If that’s not the epitome of bravery, I don’t know what is.”
Tom Stewart celebrates a goal after the Cats were inspired by the bravery of Angus during his medical battles
Cats head coach Chris Scott congratulates Stewart after 22-point win over Bulldogs puts Geelong back in top eight
Dennis-Hewitt’s father, Jeremy, spoke proudly of his son’s bravery.
“He’s the absolute star of the show,” he said.
“We are so deeply proud of our brave son.”
His mother Jenny told Cats players about the bond they share with her boy.
“The last game Angus was in, you won the grand final,” she said.
Stewart first met Dennis-Hewitt on the Good Friday call last year and has since promised him tickets to any Cats game he can attend.
“Whenever you need tickets, let me know,” he said.
“I’ll find you the best possible tickets. »
