Wade Taylor McCall came into the world with a cry that showed off his big, healthy lungs on 2/2/22. It was a moment long awaited by his parents, but also by the specialists filling the room that developed therapies and treatments from the ground up to save babies like Wade. As one of his core team members shared, “If this story took place a decade ago, or in another part of the world, we wouldn’t have the privilege of taking this journey with Wade.”

At Wade’s 20-week ultrasound, his parents (Phillip and Erin) learned that his bladder was severely enlarged. There was a clear sense of concern among team members at their midwife practice, as well as the high-risk team that immediately took over the McCalls’ care. Thanks to the High-Risk OB that saw Erin and Phillip in Knoxville, they were connected right away with the Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Within 48 hours of that initial ultrasound, the McCalls were on their way to Ohio for an intensive weekend of testing, scans, amniocentesis procedures and infusions. These procedures involve a large needle penetrating the uterus to sample fluid and/or add more fluid when needed. With each disruption of the uterine wall, Erin was at risk of being sent into premature labor. That initial weekend culminated in a meeting of specialists representing Maternal Fetal Medicine, the NICU team, Urology, Surgery and Neonatology. Erin and Phillip would be cleared to go home to Knoxville for the time being. Wade was diagnosed with Bladder Outlet Obstruction (or BOO, sometimes called Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction or LUTO). His urethra had not developed properly, which caused an inability for his bladder to empty properly. His bladder became extremely distended with fluid that then backed up into his kidneys. This backup caused severe damage to his kidneys (resulting in his being born with End Stage Renal Disease). His bladder’s inability to empty also meant that the amniotic fluid around Wade was low, and possibly getting lower. Did you know that amniotic fluid is urine? It surrounds a baby in the womb and carries the huge responsibility of helping in proper development in utero. One of the greatest concerns with Wade was that if he had insufficient amniotic fluid, his lungs may not have had an opportunity to grow. His survivorship at birth depended on those lungs. If his lungs came through, it would be time to deal with his diseased kidneys.

The third trimester involved Erin having surgery to insert a port that would deliver fluid to her uterus, a needle going into his upper abdomen/the port for each infusion rather than penetrating the uterus. By 2/2/22, Wade and Erin had received 30+ infusions. Wade’s ability to stay put until 37.5 weeks was a victory. He was born and was able to survive on room air (with no oxygen support) as he was transported to the NICU immediately. Wade’s 160 days in the NICU involved dialysis on the “Carpe Diem” machine (developed in Italy and brought to the US by one of Wade’s primary nephrologists), many setbacks, many surgeries and so much growth. The McCalls were then able to transfer back to Tennessee for Wade’s long-term care. Wade is now a Vanderbilt Children’s patient awaiting his first kidney transplant. Transplanted kidneys generally last in a recipient’s body for anywhere from 12-25 years. This means that Wade will need multiple transplants over the course of his lifetime. This is where the incredible mission of COTA comes in. The funds raised here, for COTA for Wade, will remain with the COTA organization for Wade’s entire lifetime. He will always have access to COTA funds to cover transplant related expenses where insurance does not.

During one of Erin’s infusion appointments in pregnancy, Erin and Phil shared their current favorite baby name with their MFM specialist. She paused, and then said, “Of course. Because we’re making the crossing together.” Wade’s name is a visual. It has to do with traversing a river in an unsafe place. As we wade through rushing water, we take slow and steady steps. We plan our moves deliberately and then step forward in courage. We may hold a trusted companion’s hand for stability. We may depend on others to cheer us on from the safety of the shoreline. Thank you for joining us as we Wade through it.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.