Heartbreak for Perth couple with cystic fibrosis who met as children
Kaila and Matt Maartensz first met as children when they were in the wards of Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital being treated for cystic fibrosis.
Their friendship developed over the years and when they grew into adults, they fell in love as they both battled lungs that continued to deteriorate.
In 2013, Kaila, 32, had a lung transplant and the following year, Matt received his own new set of lungs.
In the same week, he proposed to the love of his life and they married in 2015.
But in December last year, Matt’s health suddenly worsened, and it wasn’t long before doctors delivered the devastating message that there was nothing more they could do.
“We were told that because they didn’t know what was wrong with Matt, and because the treatment they were trying wasn’t working, there was nothing more they could do," Kaila, 32, told 9Honey in February.
On March 31, Matt sadly passed away at home with Kaila by his side.
"I don't even have the words to express how much I loved you, how much I'll miss you and how heartbroken I am right now," Kaila wrote on Instagram following his death.
"I will love you forever my fierce dinosaur."
Earlier this week, Kaila reflected on the lessons she had learnt about life after her tragic loss.
"If you want to travel, do it! Do it while you can and book the nicer room and bid on the flight upgrade if it's possible to do so. But when you want to stay home do that too. If you want to sit on the couch all day watching Netflix, binge an entire series in a day," she wrote.
"Laugh at yourself. But also don't be afraid to cry."
"Stay up late and chat to your husband about every little thing on your mind. Don't worry about having to get up early. You can catch up on the sleep."
"Enjoy the little moments. It's something you have to be mindful of doing but the little moments are some of the most special ones."