A heartbroken family has issued an urgent warning to mothers after a ‘magic in human form’ woman tragically died just five weeks after giving birth to youngest child
A family has issued an urgent warning after a mother-of-three died with an undiagnosed heart condition just five weeks after giving birth.
Cathy MacGuinness, 40, was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney on Easter Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest at home.
The mum spent nearly three weeks in an induced coma before she sadly died on Saturday evening.
Ms MacGuinness is survived by her partner, Sebastian, and their three children – seven-year-old Zoe, three-year-old Rosie and newborn Goldie.
Her tragic death has prompted her family to urge everyone, especially busy mothers, to be vigilant about their health and to ensure no minor symptoms are ignored.
Unknowingly Ms MacGuinness had dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes the heart to enlarge and struggle to pump blood effectively.
If she were to have been diagnosed and on medication, her family believe she would still be alive.
“What’s so tragic is that Cathy’s death could have been avoided,” sister-in-law Gillian Binchy-MacGuinness told Daily Mail.
“As a mum myself, we often put our families ahead of ourselves and our health by not listening to our bodies.
“Our hope is that Cathy’s story has a silver living and saves lives.”
Symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy include fatigue, shortness of breath during activity or while lying flat, and swelling in the legs, ankles or abdomen, as well as palpitations, dizziness, chest pain and reduced exercise capacity.
Ms Binchy-MacGuinness said: “Cathy put her symptoms down to being a busy mum who was always on her feet.
“Our message to everyone, especially women, is to not dismiss symptoms and look after yourself.”
The auntie added that her brother-in-law has been incredibly strong for his little girls. The mother was described to be “magic in human form”, lighting up every room she entered.
Her final breaths took place in a lovingly decorated hospital room, that was full from floor to ceiling with art, photos, messages and origami from everyone who loved her.
Close friend Joanna Allen wrote on GoFundMe: “She had this rare and extraordinary ability to really see you – to look at you and make you feel truly known, exactly as you are.
“She accomplished everything she sets her mind to, looked incredible doing it and still made everyone else feel a million bucks at the end.
“Seb and her girls were her entire world, her greatest love, her proudest achievement, her reason for everything,” her friend added.
“And beyond that, her love stretched wide and deep – to her mum and dad, her brothers and sister and all of their families.
“She didn’t just love them, she cherished every single moment with them. She felt like the luckiest woman alive to call them hers.”
The fundraiser set up by Joanna has raised over $150,000 (nearly £80,000) as the pair did not have life insurance. You can donate by clicking here.
