Cali's Story

Hi, my name is Angela, and I am Cali's Nana. The past six months have been a test of faith and belief in miracles. Cali was a very healthy and energetic 5-year-old who loved to laugh, swim, learn and play with her classmates, family and friends. In November 2021, Cali did not appear sick at all. She spent Thanksgiving Day with the family and ran around playing with all of the other children. The following week, Cali began complaining of a belly ache, but she was still running around playing like a normal child. A few days later, her mother noticed her skin and eye color were yellow with jaundice. Her mother knew right away something was going on with her liver and took her to the emergency room to be seen. Cali spent days in the hospital in Jacksonville, FL before being transported to a liver transplant specialist in Orlando. She became more sick, so the medical team began daily labs to monitor her liver function. She was eventually diagnosed with acute liver failure due to an unknown cause and placed on the liver transplant list. During her hospital stay, Cali tested positive for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Parainfluenza A, but the doctors were baffled as to whether the viruses had contributed to her liver failure. She was tested for a list of other viruses, and they all came back negative. After spending weeks in the hospital, Cali's liver began to regenerate itself. We all knew it was the power of prayer that brought her through. She was discharged on Christmas Day but was still immunosuppressed and prescribed a list of home medications. We were ecstatic that Cali would be home, back in school, and returning to her favorite, swim class. Sadly, after a few weeks, things took a turn.

Cali had been getting labs done weekly to check for any changes in her liver function. Although her liver function was stable, her lab results indicated that her white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets were critically low. Cali was immediately readmitted to the hospital in Orlando, FL. She is now being seen by Hematology/Oncology specialists trying to determine if the unknown virus that attacked her liver is now compromising her bone marrow. A line was recently surgically placed in her chest to draw and deliver blood when needed. Over the last few weeks, Cali has had multiple platelet transfusions to keep her platelet count in a safe range. She is no longer allowed to attend school or play like a normal kid, due to the risks of infection and internal bleeding. She must take nine medications daily and has timed labs drawn every two to three days at 8 am sharp. Though her liver failure seems to be resolved, Cali is now being treated for Aplastic Anemia.

Aplastic Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body stops producing enough blood cells.

Symptoms: fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid, irregular heartbeats, pale skin, unexplained bruising, nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding from cuts, dizziness, headaches and fever.

Treatment: Medication, blood transfusions, stem cell/bone marrow transplant.

Cali's mom is an ICU travel nurse, but she has had to stop working due to Cali receiving treatment in an Orlando Hospital. As a grandparent, it is so hard to sit back and watch the medical bills piling up. Insurance pays a part, but out-of-pocket expenses have become overwhelming. There is currently no end date for Cali's treatments, and medications are expected to be ongoing for a long time.

We are asking for donations to support the financial burden.

All donations will go directly towards Cali's medical care.

Thanks so much for your Prayers and Support during this challenging time. Please, family and friends, I am asking all of you to share this page with YOUR family and friends on whatever social media platform you have. If any questions, please contact me directly.