MINNEAPOLIS -- Emily and Scott Poeschl thought they were going through a normal pregnancy until an ultrasound revealed their baby had two rare conditions.
"His heart was on the outside," Emily said. "Later that day we found out that his liver was also on the outside of his body."
The diagnosis
In medical terms, the baby had ectopia cordis and an omphalocele.
"He had nothing covering his heart or his abdominal organs," explained Dr. James St. Louis, a cardiothoracic surgeon with University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital. "It is extremely rare. I think it's quoted; two in a million patients are born with it."
The Poeschls absorbed the news and began a new journey.
"We just trusted in God that (the baby) would make it all the way to birth and beyond," Emily said.
And he did.
What's in a name?
During a routine check up on March 25, 2011 nurses confirmed Emily was in labor.
"They put me under general anesthesia, so he (Scott) couldn't be there," Emily explained about her caesarean section. "We were told (the baby) let out two big cries."
The baby was rushed to a nearby operating room where a team of doctors and nurses covered his exposed organs with artificial tissue.
Early the next morning, Emily and Scott finally got to see the boy to whom they would give a strong name with special meaning.
"Emily liked Calvin, and I'm a very large Superman fan," Scott explained. "For a middle name...we picked Elijah. Shortened to CalEl, Superman's Kryptonian name."
"And he has far exceeded everybody's expectations as a super baby," Emily added with a smile.
The super recovery
Over seven and a half months at U of M Amplatz Children's Hospital, Calvin grew bigger and stronger.
"He grew like a weed," said Dr. St. Louis.
And, like a little super hero, Calvin's body produced enough skin to cover his heart and liver; an important milestone for avoiding infections.
"Basically what he has is no structural integrity to his chest wall, but he is covered with skin completely," Dr. St. Louis noted.
The journey continues
Calvin was still in the hospital for Halloween, but he made it home for Christmas last year. Today the Poeschl family's journey continues one day at a time.
"Calvin is complicated, but not critical," Scott explained.
Calvin still uses a ventilator and a feeding tube. He also wears a special plastic shell to protect his chest during trips in a car seat or stroller.
"That way his heart isn't getting hit," Emily added.
The prognosis
As for what's next, Emily says she and Scott are letting each step reveal itself.
"Calvin is his own case," Emily said. "What goes on with him is specific."
That is why the Poeschls have chosen not to research past cases of Calvin's conditions on the Internet.
Doctors are planning surgeries to address Calvin's abdominal problems before addressing the issues with his heart.
"This is so rare, there really are no rules," explained Dr. St. Louis. "At some point in the future, we are going to work to get more stability in his chest."
Focusing on faith and family
"Our faith has kept us strong," Emily said.
The Poeschls say they are trusting their doctors and nurses with Calvin's heart and they are focusing on his soul.
"He is always happy, despite everything that is going on," Emily explained. "He is a joyful person. And it makes me realize that attitude is everything."
"It gives me hope when I look into his eyes," Scott said.
"He has looked at me and I could see (him) telling me, 'Daddy everything is going to be OK,'" Scott added. "'I've got God on my side. I'll be fine.'"
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