5. From Day One. Aylish Mahers son has a severe cardiac condition and 22q.

In Episode 5 of The Long Road Podcast, host Lisa McKelvey speaks with Aylish Maher, wife to Mick Maher and mother to two beautiful children Miley and Monty. The Maher family began their long road on day one of Monty's life. Monty has a severe cardiac condition and was diagnosed with 22q deletion syndrome, a genetic disorder that can affect many systems in the body.

Aylish shares their family's journey from the moment of Monty's birth, when they quickly realized something was wrong, through the diagnosis process, multiple surgeries, and the ongoing care that Monty requires. She describes the whirlwind of the first year, their extended time in the Queensland Children's Hospital, and how they've adapted to life with a medically complex child.

The conversation explores the emotional impact on the entire family, including how they help Monty's older sister Miley understand her brother's condition while ensuring she feels equally loved and supported. Aylish offers insights into navigating the healthcare system, building relationships with medical teams, and finding moments of joy amid the challenges.

Now that Monty is 4 years old, Aylish reflects on how far they've come, the milestones they celebrate that others might take for granted, and their hopes for Monty's future. This episode provides a powerful look at how families adapt when medical challenges begin from day one of a child's life.