Callie T.

Georgia

Birth Date -  June 27 2003

Main Diagnosis -  Williams Syndrome supravalvular aortic stenosis pulmonary stenosis ministrokes high blood pressure seizures moderate mental retardation severe developmental delays sensory acid reflux asthma several others

THEME:   Snowmen

Callie's Story

Callie was born on June 27, 2003, by emergency c-section due to her dropping heart rate. At two months old and after several trips to the hospital for choking and non responsive spells, she was transported to Egleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta, where she was diagnosed with a heart murmur, WILLIAMS SYNDROME, and numerous other medical conditions. The doctors said they had done all that they could do. We were told to take Callie home, love her and spend every minute like it was the last.

They said Callie wouldn't live to see her first birthday.

We took Callie home to meet her three sisters and to start living a "new normal." Little did we know their beautiful Callie would teach us so much about life, and bring so much joy over the years. Callie is now 11 and struggles everyday with the simplest of tasks. Functioning on a 5 year old level, Callie does not read or write. She has never slept through the night. She has moderate intellectual disability but is very verbal. Callie suffers day to day from seizures, high blood pressure, her heart condition, balance issues, body and spatial awareness, asthma, anxiety, and meltdowns, Callie never complains. In April of this year she had her first open heart surgery to repair part of her aorta. Relying on her unwavering faith, Callie remained positive throughout.

For the rest of her life she will need constant care. She has taught us to love unconditionally, love like there is no tomorrow, live life to the fullest, help everyone and anything, and see the good in all situations, no matter what happens. One of Callie's doctors said she reminds him of what a rainbow looks like. She is a miracle and a true ray of light.