From shock diagnosis to selfless efforts

Published: 26 November 2025

Never in a thousand years did Christine expect her tonsillectomy to lead to an out-of-the-blue heart condition diagnosis. She kept fit by walking every day, ate well and looked after her health. It’s her personal experience that inspired her to support the Big Heart Appeal street collection.

At Christine’s pre-op check an anaesthetist listening to her heart heard a faint ‘murmur’ suggested she should get her heart checked. She was referred for an exercise ECG – otherwise known as a stress test – and was subsequently diagnosed with coronary ischaemia.

She couldn’t believe her ears. After all, she regularly exercised, led a busy life as a teacher and was in relatively good shape. Her only obvious health condition was her recurring tonsilitis.

“It was a shock,” she says. “I was always fit and well – bar the tonsillitis. Suddenly, I was facing something I didn’t even realise was there.”

A month later, she was also diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, which has led to mitral valve regurgitation. This condition makes it difficult for the heart to function properly, and left untreated can have severe consequences.

Over the next eight years, Christine would undergo annual echocardiograms to monitor her condition, receive two stents, and eventually have major heart surgery to repair her mitral valve.

“I went into that surgery knowing my mitral valve would either be repaired or need to be replaced,” she recalls. “I was praying for just a repair. Luckily, it was an amazing surgery – it was just a repair, and it was successful! Now, all I need is biannual check-ins with my cardiologist and a little bit of medication.”

Following her recovery, Christine was inspired to give back to people like her – especially knowing how life-changing a shock diagnosis can be. She chose to support the Heart Foundation as a Big Heart Appeal volunteer street collector.

“I’ve seen the incredible work the Heart Foundation does – funding research, supporting doctors to train overseas, educating people after surgery,” she says. “I leant on the Heart Foundation resources during my own recovery, and I wanted to make that support possible for others.”

Her favourite part of volunteering is meeting new people. “So many people in the street approach you to share their own stories. The generosity of New Zealanders is amazing – even now that people don’t often carry cash. They’ll still donate online. Everyone seems to be in support of the work that goes on behind the scenes.”

“Life goes on – and thanks to organisations like the Heart Foundation, it goes on better. We all can help improve surgery, medications, and care by helping to collect funds. Every dollar makes a difference.”