Callie Strong

On the morning of May 1, 2023, Caleb Riley and Lauren Yon had their sweet, beautiful baby girl, Callie Diane Riley. Within minutes of Callie being born, it became clear she was having trouble breathing. In an instant, their joyous occasion turned very scary. They soon learned Callie was born with a birth defect, Esophageal Atresia. Her esophagus did not connect to her stomach. An ambulance with a team from the NICU from Riverbend Hopital in Springfield traveled to Albany to pick her up and transported her to Springfield. Caleb traveled in the ambulance with Callie, while Lauren was still at Albany General Hospital awaiting discharge. Callie underwent surgery to fix the Esopageal Atresia. The doctors were able to connect her esophagus to her stomach in just one surgery. Callie will be in the NICU for a minimum of one month while she heals from surgery.

Caleb and Lauren were able to get a room at the Ronald McDonald House near Riverbend, which is a huge blessing! There are so many unexpected expenses that go along with sweet Callie being in the NICU for at least a month. There will be some traveling back and forth, meals, and neccessities needed while living away from home. Not to mention what the hospital expenses may be and time off work to be with Callie. By blessing them monetarily, they can focus on Callie's health and healing during this time.