Calista had aches and pains in her legs, lower back, and shoulder. In July 2023, she developed a fever which continued for a week, accompanied by fatigue, severe lower back and stomach pain and difficulty lifting her arms. She had lab work done to rule out viruses and infections. Her family took Calista to the emergency room where lab work confirmed acute lymphoblastic leukemia in July of last year.
· Calista began chemotherapy treatment. During one cycle in October 2023, she was “off,” and her family reported this to her team. Doctors discovered a blood clot in her brain due to a rare side effect from one of her chemotherapies. Calista is still in treatment and undergoes chemotherapy, a lumbar puncture every nine weeks, and medications. She is expected to finish her treatment in August/September 2025.
· Calista is a huge hockey fan and used to be a goalie. She hopes to return to the ice soon. She loves to craft, cook, swim, go to the beach, and spend time with her three dogs: Charlie, Cocoa, and Cleo.