9-year-old happy to pay it forward to children's hospital

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) - When Callista Dillion was 5 years old, she found it comforting to sit, or sleep, in a little wagon when she had to receive treatment at Riley Hospital for Children.

She had been diagnosed with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that involves the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues; it was on part of her face. Left untreated, the skin hardens, scars and stops growing and can lead to some disfigurement.

While she was still in kindergarten, she had to go to Riley three consecutive days each month for three months for injection treatment, which took one to two hours each visit.

"We would use the wagons there because she was exhausted," especially on the third consecutive day, said her mom, Krissi, a Dixie Bee Elementary teacher.

Sometimes, she would lay in the wagon and sleep the entire time, her mom said.

Administration of the medication could be painful, and the wagon "was a comfort to her," Krissi said. She goes to the northside hospital in Carmel.

Today, Callista still takes medication in pill form each Friday, but she is in remission, although there is no cure for scleroderma, her mom said. This past year, Callista wanted to "pay it forward" and do a fundraiser for Riley kids. She conducted a series of fundraisers and collected $1,924 for the Riley Children's Foundation.

The funds were used to purchase a wagon for the north side location and also to purchase "Buzzy Bees," devices that numb a child's arm so they don't feel injections; they will benefit the rheumatology department, where she has gone for treatment. She got to design her own license plate for the wagon.

Callista was recognized in December during a program at her school, Dixie Bee Elementary. "I wanted to raise money because of how much they helped me and how much the wagons did for me," the third-grader said. She said she's happy that children who need injections won't feel it as much because of the Buzzy Bees.

"Fundraising is a really important aspect of Riley and allows the hospital ... to ensure kids get the best care possible," said Kate Burnett, foundation spokeswoman. Funds are used for pediatric research, family and children support programs, specialized equipment, camps and education.

"We're especially thankful for Riley families who donate and want to help other kids," Burnett said.

Callista's fundraisers included a 50/50 drawing at a Terre Haute Quarter Midget Association race (she also races); a cookies and canvas event with friends; and a dunk tank at Terre Haute South Vigo High School, where her dad, Gregg, is a teacher.

The 9-year-old says staff at Riley have been especially friendly, and one staff member always gives her a hug and would give her rubber band bracelets. During a marathon, that staff member wore a bracelet she made for him.

"The people at Riley made it easier for her," Krissi Dillion said.

Riley Children's Foundation is working on an awareness effort this month called "My Heart Belongs to Riley," which also ties in with February being American Heart Month.

The Dillions shared their story to inspire others to donate to Riley Children's Foundation; among those they are thinking of is Colton Murray, who has Down syndrome and recently underwent cardiac surgery at Riley. The Dillions are following his journey on Facebook, at "ColtonStrong."

"If we can inspire someone else to give, that's our goal is," said Krissi Dillion.

___

Source: (Terre Haute) Tribune-Star, http://bit.ly/2lichj3

___

Information from: Tribune-Star, http://www.tribstar.com