By Mo Burge

MBurge@RN-T.com

Kearstin and Jake Schmidt’s first pregnancy and birth was textbook perfect, if there’s such a thing.

Their son Cannon was born healthy, with no complications and no medical concerns.

When the couple learned of their second pregnancy, they expected much of the same.

And at first, it was.

The high school sweethearts experienced a normal pregnancy and delivery for second son Callen.

However, at just a few weeks old, something changed.

“He started throwing up blood,” Kearstin Schmidt said.

The 4-week-old was rushed to the emergency room where they received news that their son was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and needed open heart surgery to survive.

So at 6 weeks old, the child underwent the first of three heart surgeries and over the course of his young life has had an additional three brain surgeries.

His mother said it happened so fast.

“I don’t think that we ever had time to process it,” she said. “Were we scared? For sure. It was all a whirlwind.”

At first the family was told the heart condition was not genetic, however when they got pregnant with their youngest son Clayton, they wanted to know for sure.

While pregnant, doctors checked en utero and confirmed the child had the same heart defect as his older brother. The family also learned that husband Jake was a carrier as well.

But with Clayton, things were different and the family was prepared to face the medical journey head on.

“I think we have learned that we need to continue to grow as parents,” Kearstin said. “More than anything we learned we have to work together.

The Schmidt family, who live in Floyd County, traveled over 65 miles to access care from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. For Callen to continue treatment and undergo a lengthy recovery, they stayed at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House near Egleston.

Through safe lodging, warm meals, playrooms, comfort from staff and more, Kearstin said the Ronald McDonald house became a “home away from home” during an emotional and stressful time and allowed them to focus on the wellbeing of their children.

“The Ronald McDonald House has been everything to us,” she said.

Now five and one, both brothers are happy and relatively healthy.

Callen, 5, is a student at Armuchee Primary School and while he has more medical procedures down the road, he’s happy spending his days playing baseball, football and any activity a rambunctious boy would enjoy.

His baby brother is thriving as well.

And that is something both parents are grateful for.

“Being able to watch life through their eyes is something we are so thankful for,” Schmidt said.

The family’s journey inspired them to form a nonprofit, BrightLight Foundation, to help other families dealing with critical childhood medical conditions.

“Our mission is to spread joy and support to children and healthcare professionals facing personal battles,” Schmidt said. “Stemming from our family’s personal journey of adversity, we’ve grown into a beacon of happiness, collaborating with a community of supporters. Our commitment extends to organizing donations benefiting CHOA’s family support programs and Child Life Specialists, enhancing playrooms, providing entertainment to in-patient children, offering sustenance to families, supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities, and more.”

The foundation is hosting its annual fundraiser May 15 and plans are to start a support group for mothers.

For more information about the foundation and upcoming events visit brightlightfoundation.co.