The best part of the fire season for Vincentia dad Michael Suesskow was driving to Westmead Children's Hospital on his days off.
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On those days, the emergency services worker got to see his brand-new baby, Mason, smile up at him.
"It was one of the most stressful, but also the best, times of my life," he said.
Mason has congenital heart disease. He and Mr Suesskow's partner, Michelle Carlon, were at Westmead for two months before his birth in October 2019.
"We found out he had a heart condition at 20 weeks," Mr Suesskow said. "We went in blind."
Thankfully, the family didn't have to do it all on their own. HeartKids (a charity that supports children with heart disease and their families) made contact before Mason was born and put them in touch with another family who had a son with a similar condition.
"To have support from other parents who know what to expect, who've already walked the steps you're taking, is invaluable," Mr Suesskow said.
Mason had to have his first open heart surgery at five days old, and his second in February. Long days in the Intensive Care Unit were broken up by HeartKids-run morning teas with other families in a similar position.
"To sit down over a cuppa, hear their stories and have someone to relate to - words can't describe," Mr Suesskow said.
Mr Suesskow and Ms Carlon want to give back to the charity that gave them so much, and they hope the local community will get on board. HeartKids' annual fundraiser, SuperBoss Friday is on June 19. Bosses, co-workers, teachers and students are encouraged to dress as their favourite superhero to raise funds. You don't have to dress up to donate, and every little bit helps.
"I'd never even heard of them until my son was diagnosed," he said.
"We're just so grateful. To see a warm face during that stress is what gets you through.
"We were lucky enough to get accomodation from Ronald McDonald House Charity, but HeartKids also provides emergency accomodation, help with food and travel - all the things you don't have time to think about while your child is in hospital."
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Mason and Ms Carlon were able to come home in March. He's a chubby, happy, healthy baby, but will need to return to Westmead for anohter heart surgery when he is four. Mr Suesskow said knowing HeartKids would be there for them made all the difference. He hopes the region will show the charity a bit of love.
"You can't put a price on the support they give you," he said.
"The fundraiser is a bit of fun, it's for a good cause, and I'd encourage anyone who is able to get behind it. This affects about 32,000 Australian children - it's something we need to make a push on."
Ms Carlon has created a blog to document Mason's journey, and raise awareness of congenital heart disease. It can be found at 'Babymayo' on facebook.
