Congenital heart disease: I was a week old when I had my first heart surgery. At 21, I’ve achieved dreams far beyond expectationsHis parents were over the moon when he was born after IVF, but devastated to learn that their baby had congenital heart disease. Now working as an EMT and thriving, Samuel O’Riordan says support from the Heart Children charity was vital for him and his parentsSamuel O'Riordan from Leopardstown in Dublin was born with congenital heart disease and is now working an a EMT. Photo: Frank McGrathSamuel O'Riordan Today at 06:30We just don’t know if he’ll be able. These were the words my parents heard almost every time my case was discussed with my doctors.

Source: Irish Independent February 12, 2026 19:01 UTC