Married at First Sight Australia bride Gia Fleur has opened up about her daughter Willa's terrifying health battle with Kawasaki disease, a rare condition that causes blood vessel swelling and can lead to heart problems if untreated.
The 36-year-old single mother told New Idea that Willa fell seriously ill at age six. Initially diagnosed with a respiratory infection, her condition worsened to bacterial pneumonia. Gia insisted on hospital admission, where doctors found Willa's heart rate was extremely high at 192 beats per minute.
After countless tests, Willa was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. Gia said: 'I'd never heard of it. It was really shocking when I found out that's what she had.' She added: 'You've got to advocate for your child hard – and I was.'
Following treatment, Willa required regular check-ups for two years due to coronary artery dilation, but Gia confirmed 'she's now great'. The reality star also revealed that her MAFS fame negatively impacted her daughter, who faced mean comments at school.
Gia left Willa in her mother's care while filming the latest series, where she married groom Scott McCristal. The couple initially appeared strong but face challenges in upcoming episodes airing on E4.
