Caring for Callum

At 13 weeks gestation Callum Semmes was diagnosed with Down Syndrome along with two other birth defects; a hole in his heart and an omphalocele (a small portion of intestines still in umbilical chord.) In December of 2018, Cassie and Ryan were referred to Texas Children’s Hospital of Houston where Callum’s conditions were confirmed. From there, a plan of care began as they awaited Callum’s arrival. They were instructed to relocate to Houston at 36 weeks pregnant (February 2019) to be certain that Cassie would deliver at TCH.  

At 37 weeks gestation, Callum made his arrival. Ryan and Cassie were able to hold him for a few minutes before he was taken to the NICU to be assessed. Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) was again confirmed, along with Tetralogy of Fallot (4 heart defects) and a omphalocele.  Soon after Callum’s birth it became clear that food was not properly passing through Callums digestive system, resulting in him needing emergency surgery at only two days old.  


After several weeks of recovery, things were starting to look up.  He was on high flow nose cannula breathing room air, but just needed a little positive pressure to keep his airway open.  They eventually weaned him off completely and everyone thought home was in their near future. However, the day after he was taken off of the cannula they noticed his nose was becoming increasingly congested. Breathing was becoming more difficult! At that point, his oxygen level dropped and he was immediately put on a CPAP machine. They have tried to wean him off of the CPAP with no success.

After multiple tests, it was determined that his low muscle tone is preventing him from expanding his airway on his own.  The only option for now, is to give him time to grow. Unfortunately, we have no idea how long this might be. 

If Callum continues to need long term support to breathe, he may require a tracheotomy. 

Callum will also require heart surgery within his first year of life and multiple surgeries thereafter. 

Ryan has been fortunate to have started a new job in March with BP in the Houston area.  A true blessing from God! Cassie has also relocated to Houston with their daughter Collette for the duration of Callum’s hospital stay. They are currently staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Ryan and Cassie’s son Kagen has stayed behind with family. Ryan and Cassie are currently paying for housing and parking daily at the hospital.  Any and all donations will help to lighten the financial load of Callums unforeseen sickness. 

I ask that you please consider helping Ryan and Cassie financially in their time of need as so much of their journey is still unknown. If you can’t help financially I ask that you please keep Callum, Ryan, and Cassie in your prayers for the coming months as they navigate this difficult journey. Thanks in advance for your generous donations and prayers.

You can also mail checks and make them  payable to Ryan and Cassie Semmes  at 505 Rue Labelle Breaux Bridge, LA 70517.