A family has issued an urgent warning after a mother-of-three died from an undiagnosed heart condition just five weeks after giving birth.
Tragic Loss of Cathy MacGuinness
Cathy MacGuinness, 40, was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney on Easter Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest at home. She spent nearly three weeks in an induced coma before passing away 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.
Undiagnosed Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Unknowingly, Ms MacGuinness had dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes the heart to enlarge and struggle to pump blood effectively. Her family believes that had she been diagnosed and on medication, she would still be alive.
"What's so tragic is that Cathy's death could have been avoided," said sister-in-law Gillian Binchy-MacGuinness. "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 lining and saves lives."
Symptoms Dismissed as Busy Motherhood
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.
"Cathy put her symptoms down to being a busy mum who was always on her feet," Ms Binchy-MacGuinness said. "Our message to everyone, especially women, is to not dismiss symptoms and look after yourself."
The aunt added that her brother-in-law has been incredibly strong for his little girls. The mother was described as "magic in human form," lighting up every room she entered. Her final breaths took place in a lovingly decorated hospital room filled with art, photos, messages, and origami from loved ones.
Fundraiser for the Family
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 set 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 couple did not have life insurance.
