Dear Family, Friends and Kind-Hearted Supporters,

I am writing with a heavy heart to share some unexpected and difficult news with you. Our daughter Shai, who is 8 months old, is currently hospitalized at Seattle Children's Hospital with heart failure. She has been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart chambers become enlarged and weakened, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood. She is currently on the transplant list to receive a new heart.

Our family consists of nine members, including our seven children whose ages range from 8 months to 18 years. For the most part, our family has been healthy and strong. In June, our firstborn daughter, who had just graduated high school, celebrated a significant milestone in our family. 

However, merely 20 days later, on June 30th, our world was shattered when our 6-month-old daughter, Shai, fell critically ill. It began with what we thought was teething discomfort, but her condition deteriorated rapidly. She became fussy, refused food, and, most concerning of all, struggled to breathe.

Over the next few days, we watched our baby girl's condition worsen. She began refusing food entirely, became increasingly agitated, especially at night, and lying down became unbearable for her. By the fifth day of her illness, Shai's struggle to breathe became more pronounced, and she became lethargic. Her limbs turned cold, and we rushed her to the local emergency room. Upon arrival, she was visibly struggling with her breathing and was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit. Initially, the diagnosis pointed to dehydration and a possible urinary tract infection. Shai was given oxygen and an IV, along with a feeding tube to provide some nourishment, and she seemed to improve.

However, as nighttime approached, Shai took another turn for the worse. Around 3 AM, she once again became lethargic, and her struggle to breathe intensified. Panic set in, and the medical team was alerted. Despite all tests returning as normal, an electrocardiogram (EKG) revealed an irregular heart rhythm. The room quickly filled with staff, and that's when I realized our baby girl was in grave danger.

The Panda team (Pediatric And Neonatal Doernbecher Transport) was called to transport Shai to Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland. During the process of being intubated, Shai went into cardiac arrest. The Panda team worked diligently to stabilize her, and afterwards she was successfully transported to Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

The days that followed were a whirlwind of intensive and invasive procedures. Shai's diagnosis was devastating: a severely depressed left ventricle, severely dilated left ventricle, and moderate to severe mitral regurgitation. The cardiologist delivered the heart-wrenching news that Shai was the sickest patient in the entire hospital, and her chances of survival were slim to none.

The medical team initiated ECMO life support, a critical step needed to give her a chance at survival. The team at Doernbecher Children's Hospital informed us that Shai would indeed need a new heart. Since Oregon state doesn't have a heart center, we were transported to Washington state at Seattle Children's Hospital on July 4th.

At this point, the only option was open-heart surgery to place the ventricular assist device (Berlin Heart Pump) as a bridge to a potential heart transplant. The procedure took place on July 11th and was a success. This could extend her life and also allow her to grow and achieve milestones, just like other babies her age, or as close to it as possible.

Shai's strength throughout this journey has been nothing short of miraculous. She remains connected to the pump, and we are encouraged and committed while staying by her side as we await a heart transplant or her own heart to improve.

Our current reality is one of waiting for a procedure that could change her life, but the wait time is uncertain, ranging from six months to potentially much longer. Due to the severity of Shai's heart condition and the equipment she is connected to, she must stay at the hospital. We live four hours away from the hospital in another state, and our family is divided as my husband cares for our other children back home.

The reality is that we are still faced with the possibility of losing our daughter, and we are also trying to figure out how to balance life with our other children. During this trying time, we are reaching out to you, our extended community, for support and assistance. We are in need of various forms of help:

Transportation: If you have a van to donate or can help us secure one at a reduced cost, please reach out. Your assistance in this regard would be an incredible blessing.

Financial: The travel expenses and ongoing costs associated with Shai's care have placed a financial burden on our family. Any monetary donations, no matter how small, will make a significant difference and provide us with the means to continue supporting Shai's journey to recovery.

We understand that times are tough for many, and we are humbled to ask for your support. Your kindness and generosity will have a profound impact on our lives and, most importantly, on Shai's journey to recovery. We are immensely grateful for any assistance you can provide and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering our plea.

We also know that through faith and prayer, anything is possible! So please keep Shai and our entire family in your prayers.

With love and gratitude,

Randy and Jalisa Calhoun

If you are willing to help, require more information, or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us

ECMO Life Support:

7/06/2023

Berlin Heart Pump:

7/25/2023

As of Today:

9/26/2023