When Callie’s upset stomach symptoms first started, she and her parents tried everything, including eliminating foods and sticking to a bland diet, but nothing seemed to help. After not seeing any progress, Callie’s primary care doctor referred her to Nationwide Children’s Hospital where Brendan Boyle, MD, MPH, section chief of Gastroenterology (GI), Hepatology and Nutrition, diagnosed Callie with Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the GI tract that is typically diagnosed in adulthood.  

With a diagnosis in place, Callie’s care team established a treatment plan for her that included receiving an infusion treatment. Dr. Boyle explained what this treatment would entail and how much success he has seen in other patients. He believed we would see these same results in Callie. Though infusions can be scary for anyone, Callie kept her nurses on their toes with stories and questions, never afraid to speak her mind. She also had visits from Child Life Specialist Chloe who helped Callie understand what was going on and why. 

Callie responded so well to the treatment that after just four months she was officially in clinical remission, where she remains today.  

“We plan a lot around her treatment schedule because she is responding so well,” says Callie’s mom Betsy. “We’re thankful to have a hospital only 20 minutes away where she can have all her appointments and treatments. She can still be a kid, play sports, and live a normal life.”