Cardiomyopathy is a big word for a little girl. In other words, Grace Callahan had an enlarged heart.  From birth, Grace’s parents, Doug and Audrey Callahan, teachers in the Gwinnett County school system, didn’t expect her to survive her first year without needing a transplant.  Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle is so weak that, as it works to pump enough blood, it becomes dilated or enlarged.

Many call it a miracle.  In January of this year, Grace’s heart was just too tired to continue to pump.  She spent 75 days in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egelston waiting for a donor.  And on Easter Sunday the call came: a heart was available.  That Grace was born seven years ago on Easter Sunday makes the miracle even more overwhelming.

Although, this young family lives in North Georgia, Grace has touched many hearts in the Greene/Putnam County area.  Paternal grandparents, Barbara and Jack Callahan are very active residents in the Lake Oconee area.  For several years Jack has chaired the Christ Our King and Savior Golf Tournament, “Giving Back to the Community” benefiting many non-profit organizations in the tri-county community.  Jack is also the treasurer of the Old Salem Fire & Rescue in Greensboro and is currently creating their web site.

Barbara served as president of the Council of Catholic Women/Women’s Guild at Christ our King and Savior Church, spearheading their recent cookbook fundraiser and is an active member of the Lake Oconee Quilting Guild.

The entire Lake Oconee community has offered many prayers in support of Grace’s surgery and recovery.  Knowing the medical expenses ahead for this family, friends of Jack and Barbara and “Friends of Grace Callahan” are inviting the community to help.

Christ Our King and Savior Church is sponsoring an Italian Night in Grace’s honor on Tuesday June 22 at the church. There will be two settings: 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. featuring a delicious menu created by church members with culinary reputations:  Bob Colletta is creating his famous spaghetti and meat sauce,   Rose Robertson’s mostaccioli is notorious, and the son-in-law of parishioners Carl and Clare LePere is providing his fabulous tortellini.  Salad, bread, dessert and beverages (including wine) are also on the menu.  The evening will also feature a silent auction and a fifty-fifty raffle.  Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the Church office by calling (706) 453-7292 or from members of the church.

Grace and her little sister Megan will be at the dinners to celebrate with the community.  Checks should be made payable to “Friends of Grace Callahan.”  Monetary gifts may also be made at area businesses featuring a collection jar or at Bank South: Friends of Grace Callahan account.