Rome Brothers Winning Battle
The Schmidt family, from left Cannon, Callen, Kearstin, Clayton and Jake, has battled a genetic congenital heart defect affecting their two youngest sons.
When Kearstin and Jake Schmidt welcomed their first child, Cannon, into the world, it was the kind of birth every parent hopes for—textbook perfect. Healthy and free of complications, their son’s arrival was smooth and reassuring.
So when they learned they were expecting again, they naturally assumed their second pregnancy would follow suit. And at first, it did.
Their second son, Callen, was born after a healthy pregnancy and delivery. But just a few weeks later, their world turned upside down.
“He started throwing up blood,” Kearstin recalled.
At only four weeks old, Callen was rushed to the emergency room where doctors diagnosed him with a congenital heart defect that would require open-heart surgery to survive. Just two weeks later, at only six weeks old, Callen underwent the first of what would be three heart surgeries. In time, he would also undergo three brain surgeries.
“It happened so fast,” Kearstin said. “I don’t think that we ever had time to process it. Were we scared? For sure. It was all a whirlwind.”
Initially, doctors told the family the condition wasn’t genetic. But when they became pregnant with their third child, Clayton, they sought further answers. Prenatal testing revealed Clayton had the same heart defect as his older brother—and that Jake was a carrier.
But this time, the Schmidts were prepared.
“I think we have learned that we need to continue to grow as parents,” Kearstin shared. “More than anything, we learned we have to work together.”
Finding a Home Away from Home
The road to recovery was long and challenging. The family traveled over 65 miles to access care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. During Callen’s treatment and recovery, they stayed at the nearby Atlanta Ronald McDonald House.
It quickly became more than just a place to stay.
“The Ronald McDonald House has been everything to us,” Kearstin said. Through warm meals, playrooms, and comforting support, it became their “home away from home,” allowing them to focus on their children’s well-being during a stressful time.
Today, Callen is five years old and thriving. He attends Armuchee Primary School, loves baseball, football, and anything that keeps him moving like the rambunctious boy he is. Though more medical procedures lie ahead, he continues to face life with a joyful spirit. Baby brother Clayton is doing well too—and for that, both parents are deeply grateful.
“Being able to watch life through their eyes is something we are so thankful for,” said Kearstin.
Giving Back Through the BrightLight Foundation
The family’s experience led them to create something bigger than themselves: the BrightLight Foundation. What began as a deeply personal journey has grown into a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles.
“Our mission is to spread joy and support to children and healthcare professionals facing personal battles,” Kearstin explained. “Stemming from our family’s personal journey of adversity, we’ve grown into a beacon of happiness, collaborating with a community of supporters.”
The BrightLight Foundation organizes donations that support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s family programs and Child Life Specialists. They help enhance playrooms, provide entertainment to in-patient children, offer meals and essentials to families, and support Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The foundation will host its annual fundraiser on May 15, and plans are in motion to launch a support group for mothers navigating similar journeys.
For more information about the BrightLight Foundation and how to get involved, visit: brightlightfoundation.co