Our Community Cares for Callan!

Jodi and Cameron Anderson welcomed Callan Petrillo Anderson on September 17, 2020, at 6:22pm. To his anxious parents and all who loved and awaited him, his birth was extraordinary because in spite of the expectation that he would be born with both a cleft lip and palate, Callan's palate was fully intact. As Jodi posted on Facebook, "I have no doubt my mama in Heaven had something to do with this miracle!"

Callan faces surgery on January 14th. Although it is hoped to be his only surgery, he'll have a dedicated treatment team of craniofacial medical, dental, speech/audio and other healthcare specialists at OHSU Doernbecher until he's 18 years old. He'll undergo checkups, tests, treatments, and followups during every one of his next 18 years.

The costs associated with all of this, even with the Anderson's health insurance, are already high and may run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of Callan's treatment. I was overwhelmed when I learned about this and managed to convince Jodi to let me create this GoFundMe for the Anderson family. She finally relented when I told her how profoundly she has touched the lives of so many in our community in her role as a beloved teacher and mentor. 

Those of us fortunate enough to know Jodi as our children's teacher know that she brings her whole heart to teaching, honoring the trust we and our children place in her. I feel it's a privilege for us to be able to support Jodi and her family in any way we can. Thank you for sharing kind words, love, and any support you can offer to Jodi, Cameron, Charlotte, and baby Callan! And if you are so moved, please share this with your own network of people who care.