Calla Can!

Nate and Angie live in Omaha, Nebraska with their three children (Luca-6, Jude-4 and Calla-1). When Calla was 9 weeks old, she was admitted to Children’s Hospital in Omaha with seizures. She was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 (TSC). TSC is a rare, incurable genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in many different organs, primarily in the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, skin and lungs. The aspects of TSC that most strongly impact quality of life are associated with the brain: seizures, developmental delay, intellectual disability and autism. The severity of TSC symptoms can vary widely between individuals. Because Calla began having seizures at such an early age, and because she was having dangerous seizures called infantile spasms, her case is expected to be more severe.

After exhausting all treatment options in Omaha, Calla’s neurologist referred her to the TSC Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for specialized care. After several trips to Cincinnati, a year of many tests, medications, a specialized diet, and a feeding tube, Calla’s seizures are still not controlled, and she is losing developmental skills. In her last EEG, Calla experienced over 50 seizures in 24 hours. The TSC neurologists referred her to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston for surgery to remove some of the abnormal growths in her brain, with a goal of seizure control or possibly eliminating her seizures completely. After a 10-day pre-op visit to Houston in September, Calla was put on the “fast track.” Her surgery has been scheduled for December 11, and she will have to remain in Houston for about four weeks.

Calla and her family will be traveling for her medical care many times a year throughout her life. Their trip to Houston in December is expected to cost nearly $10,000. Money raised at this benefit will help the Ohlrich family with the many financial burdens of Calla’s disease, including travel expenses, home modifications, and child care for the boys.

Sincerely, 
Calla Can! Benefit Committee