Callie’s Story: Strength, Courage, and a Fighting Spirit

Shared by Jessica, heart mom to Callie

Our journey with congenital heart disease began before Callie was even born. At just 16 weeks into my pregnancy, we learned that our baby had a serious CHD called truncus arteriosus. From that moment forward, our lives changed, and we began preparing for the battles she would face.

At only eight days old, Callie underwent her first open-heart surgery at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. That was just the beginning. At age two, she needed her second open-heart surgery. Recovery was difficult, and a week after surgery, Callie coded. We almost lost her, but her strength and the incredible care she received brought her back to us.

When that second repair failed, she faced her third open-heart surgery at just three years old. During this surgery, Callie received a mechanical aortic valve, which meant starting lifelong Coumadin (blood thinner) therapy. It was daunting, but it also gave her a chance at life.

For years, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital was our home away from home. Then, in the summer of 2024, we traveled to Boston Children’s Hospital for her fourth open-heart surgery. Being away from Nashville and our support system was incredibly hard, but Callie showed her resilience once again. After a month of recovery, we were finally able to return home.

Through it all, The Brett Boyer Foundation has been a huge part of our journey. Their dedication to CHD research and their support for families like ours have given us hope and strength when we needed it most.

Now, at nine years old, Callie is not only surviving—she’s thriving. She’s a competitive cheerleader, full of energy, determination, and joy. Every routine, every cheer, every smile is a reminder of how far she’s come.

Callie’s story is one of courage, faith, and perseverance. While congenital heart disease will always be a part of her life, it does not define her. She is strong, vibrant, and unstoppable, and we are endlessly proud of the fighter she is.