Help Callen Beat Cancer

For those of you that don’t know me… my name is Becky Sarlo and I am godmother to Callen Lane McDonnell. Callen is the smartest, goofiest, and most loving little boy I’ve ever known. I am reaching out to family and friends to help my sister Tori and brother Ryan during this time of urgent need.

On Friday, February 10th Tori and Ryan received the worst news any parent can receive; that their perfect little boy had been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, an incredibly aggressive form of blood cancer.

Their journey is just beginning but is predicted to be a long one that no baby and no parent should ever have to endure. Long days of chemo, nights in the hospital and many doctors helping him fight this battle are ahead of him.

Super Cal is already so brave and fighting cancer with no fear! he has already been an inspiration around him to everyone — even after of dozens of needles, he still exclaims “I did it!” every time he is pricked. We have no doubt he is going to kick cancer’s butt!

My sister Tori and brother Ryan have created the most beautiful life with their son Callen. Cal-Cal turned 2 YESTERDAY!!! (CALentine’s Day) and we could not be more thrilled to celebrate another year of his infectious laugh, endless smiles, and smart wits. His spirits are high like always as he prepares for this next chapter. This next chapter even includes expanding their family and Callen becoming a big brother to his baby sister Coraline this July! Cal is beyond excited to become a big brother, he’s even been practicing with his baby doll how to hold and feed a baby! He loves to kiss Tori’s belly and he even says that Cora is his best friend. We know Callen is going to be the best big brother and will love his sister with his whole heart. We know his spirit and love will not change during this heart-wrenching process. We have no idea when this day will come… but we can’t wait to see Callen back to his happy self jumping on his trampoline, swinging on the swings, and going to his favorite place…. the zoo!

Tori will not be leaving Callen’s side during this time which means she will have to take full-time off of work for however long Callen needs to be in the hospital and receive treatment. This will include twice-weekly spinal taps, long days of chemotherapy, and frequent isolation.

The cost to help Callen beat cancer is already starting to add up. In addition to being in the pediatric intensive care unit his first weekend, and the upcoming months’ in-patient chemotherapy, the economic burden his parents are facing is heartbreaking - their household income will be effectively and indefinitely reduced in half, they face travel costs having to go to CHOP daily, and are going to have additional out of pocket costs when Cora arrives in just a few months.

We are turning to family, friends, and anyone who can help raise funds to cover the cost of medications, treatments, and other expenses associated with Callen’s battle against cancer. No donation is too small, and every dollar will go directly toward supporting Callen’s medical care and family expenses during this time. We are also asking for endless amounts of love, prayers, and support for their family during this time.

Callen's name is of Gaelic origin and means "rock" or "brave little battler." Days after only his second birthday, he's already living up to that name, being an inspiration to everyone around him. As he embarks on this challenging journey, we are reminded that sometimes the bravest battles are fought by the smallest warriors. Let us rally around Callen, Tori, Ryan, and their family with love, prayers, and support as they navigate this challenging time.