Meet Callum

Nationwide Children's Hospital is internationally renowned for its excellence in pediatric specialty care. Among its most distinguished programs is the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction (CCPR), led by Dr. Richard Wood. CCPR is one of the world's most advanced centers for pediatric colorectal and pelvic health. It was among the first to fully integrate all relevant specialties involved in pediatric colorectal and pelvic care into a single, comprehensive care model. A world leader in innovation, outcomes research, expertise, and compassionate care, the CCPR has treated children from all 50 states and 64 countries.

While the CCPR team provides advanced care and best outcomes to its patients in Columbus, Ohio, almost 3,000 miles away, Callum and his family searched for answers after two years of hospital visits and uncertainty.

After vomiting and refusing to eat at just 7 days old, doctors in his hometown in California diagnosed him with Hirschsprung's disease, a rare congenital disorder in which a portion of the large intestine is missing nerve cells. The lack of cells prevents the contraction and relaxation necessary for movement of stool through the intestine.

At just 10 days old, Callum underwent a procedure known as a pull through. This is a standard procedure to treat Hirschsprung's disease in which the nerve-deficient portion of the intestine is removed, and a healthy, nerve-rich portion is pulled through the segment. Though he did well after surgery, Callum soon experienced bouts of enterocolitis, inflammation of both the small and large intestine. Between just 9 and 24 months old, Callum was hospitalized 10 times and received Botox injections every few months to relieve symptoms only for them to return once the effects wore off.

It didn't sit right with Callum's parents that they continued to be in the hospital so frequently, so they were referred to Nationwide Children's and Dr. Wood.

“After speaking with Dr. Wood, we had never felt so validated in our concerns for Callum,” says Sarah, Callum's mom. “He agreed that something didn't seem right and offered to run some tests.”

Callum and his family immediately flew to Columbus and met with the team.

Tests performed at the renowned GI Motility Center at Nationwide Children's revealed a non-motile portion of his colon, likely the reason for his enterocolitis. Two months later, Dr. Wood performed a second pull-through to remove it. Today, it is clear that the procedure was a great success.

“Callum is thriving after surgery,” Sarah shares. “There is clear evidence that the surgery profoundly helped.”

Callum is not expected to need any additional procedures or invasive therapies. He has returned to his energetic, playful self often found on his scooter or at the park. But if it's a Friday morning, you'll find him happily seated on the curb in front of his house as he eagerly waits to watch the garbage trucks roll by, his favorite weekly tradition.

Throughout their trips to Columbus, Callum and his parents built a relationship with Dr. Wood.

“I have been an ICU nurse for a decade and have interacted with many physicians across multiple fields and Dr. Wood is the best of the best,” says Kevin, Callum’s dad. “It is obvious that he genuinely cares about his patients and wants to help them.”

For many families, Nationwide Children's is the only place where answers can be found. Thanks to supporters like you, we're able to offer hope to those who need it most.