Having a sick child is hard. Between fearing for their life, juggling jobs and treatments, and trying to keep a hopeful attitude for everyone's sake, it's the height of stress.
Add on the financial burden and it's amazing how many families manage to soldier through without breaking down.
It should be a joyous event, but around the same time, she was diagnosed with advanced neuroblastoma. It has metastasized to her lymph nodes and bones.
Saddest New Year ever.
Callie has a big fight ahead of her, with chemo and radiation treatment, followed by surgery. She also needs a bone marrow transplant.
Meanwhile, mom Tiffany is working extended hours and commuting to the hospital each day.
As you've probably guessed, Callie's adoptive parents are both women.
"Callie had a long day of playing hard and walking today!" her mother Albree writes, "She did amazing! We tried to give her some juice today she didn’t keep it down so she’s still npo for now. She’s such a amazing and tough little girl!"
"Her doctor Dr Weiss (they call him the neuroblastoma god) he stopped in today and said that Callie will be starting round 5 of chemo on Monday!" Albree shares.
"He also said that there will be no need for round 6 after that stem cell transplant. He said 98% of her tumor is dead! And there is no need for round 6."
"Keeping you in prayer Ms. Callie" one woman writes, "You are beautiful, strong, loving, and brave...you are a warrior!"
Others send their hopes and prayers for Callie's quick recovery.
Yeah, you read that right. This person was going to make a huge donation, but because Albree and Tiffany are both women, they changed their minds.
Like, that God was punishing them for their relationship.
Who even does that to people with a sick child?!
"This is a very sick little girl, who's life is on the line......for someone to actually send this and speak to my family in this way is utterly DISGUSTING" the post reads, "Regardless of how you feel, don't say a word. What Callie needs is love and support.....not hate and misery!"
"People get over yourselves" one person writes, "This child has two loving parents that care and that's all that matters. Haters need not apply and praying for Callie. Hugs and love."
One person writes that they are "so sorry you've been subjected to such hypocrisy and ignorance."
Others offer to lend an extra hand in the couple's time of need:
" We are near," a person comments, "is there anything we can bring you? Home cooked meal? Toys?"
Instead of making the moms change their supposed ways, the message has only increased the reach of Callie's campaign.
And more importantly, that extra reach means more donations. Heck, in the time it took me to write up this story, the GoFundMe total jumped almost $500.
Supporting Callie and her moms, whether through donating or simply sharing their story is the perfect way to tell that hateful person what compassion really looks like.
