Critically ill Geelong fan Angus Dennis-Hewitt makes medical history to visit AFL team at Dogs game
Critically ill Geelong teenage fan hospitalized since last year’s grand final makes Australian medical history by using an artificial heart machine to meet his Cats heroes
- Teen was equipped with Berlin Heart
- Revolutionary technology used for heart donor patients
- Cats was inspired by his courage to win
A seriously ill teenager has been able to leave hospital for the first time in 243 days to watch his beloved Geelong Cats play thanks to 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 been bedridden at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital ever since.
The 17-year-old avoided death, thanks in part to life-saving ‘Berlin Heart’ technology, which enabled 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’s an external, mechanical pump that needs to be connected to the patient’s circulatory system – and Dennis-Hewitt became the first Australian to leave hospital while being kept alive by one.
Angus hadn’t left the hospital in 243 days, but was able to meet all his Geelong heroes in the barns thanks to a revolutionary piece of technology
Angus met several Geelong stars, including Ireland’s Zach Tuohy (pictured) before the game against the Western Bulldogs
Angus is pictured wearing the Berlin Heart, a mechanical pump that aids in his blood flow and allowed him to leave the hospital for the first time since last year’s grand finale
Often used as a temporary solution for patients waiting for a heart transplant, the Berlin Heart bridges the gap until a suitable donor heart becomes available.
“I came in for routine heart surgery,” Angus said at the Good Friday Appeal in September.
“Five open-heart surgeries later, here I am with these machines.”
Dennis-Hewitt was welcomed to the Geelong barns along with his mum and dad prior to the match where he was introduced by Cats champion Tom Stewart.
“The effort Angus is putting in right now is nothing short of extraordinary,” Stewart told his teammates before the game.
“Having you here, mate, it’s actually an honor.
“When I first met you, you really made an impact on me. Seeing you here tonight is really special.’
Stewart used Dennis-Hewitt’s bravery to help inspire the Cats to a crucial 22-point victory over the Dogs to cement their top eight finish.
“The week we’ve had, we talk about a little daring, a little brave [on the field],’ he said.
“If this isn’t the epitome of courage, I don’t know what is.”
Tom Stewart celebrates a goal after the Cats draw inspiration from Angus’ bravery during his medical battle
Cats head coach Chris Scott congratulates Stewart after 22-point win over the Bulldogs to put Geelong back in the top eight
Jeremy, Dennis-Hewitt’s father, spoke with pride about his son’s bravery.
“He’s the absolute star of the show,” he said.
“We are so very proud of our brave son.”
His mother Jenny told the Cats players about the link they share with her son.
“The last game Angus was in, you won the Grand Final,” she said.
Stewart first met Dennis-Hewitt last year at the Good Friday Appeal and has since promised him tickets to every Cats game he can attend.
“As soon as you need tickets, let me know,” he said.
“I’ll get you the best tickets I can.”