Deseret News | Daddy's girl: Disease sends toddler back through time

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Daddy's girl: Disease sends toddler back through time

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Mark | 1:12 a.m. June 15, 2008

May the Lord bless you. Her love for you will never die.

how sad | 1:44 a.m. June 15, 2008

This cuts me right to the core. My heart aches for this family and for little Eliza. What an evil disease!

Camille | 4:06 a.m. June 15, 2008

Such an inspiring story! May the Lord bless you and your sweet angel!

Comments continue below

awesomeron | 4:08 a.m. June 15, 2008

I wish them well. I hope that this situation does not destroy their Marriage or their Faith. My Ohana will pray for them. We are so lucky these days that we can record and keep peoples voices. I am sure God has and will continue to bless them.

jeremy | 4:47 a.m. June 15, 2008

I teared up when I read this. Like the article said what a beutiful little princess. but more than that she is a beautiful angel. god bless.

georgiaonmymind | 5:33 a.m. June 15, 2008

What a beautiful story! We are so lucky to have the gospel of Jesus Christ! We know why we are here and where we are going and Eliza has a purpose on this earth. I pray you may find comfort in the Savior.

Susan | 6:31 a.m. June 15, 2008

Although it may not seem to be right now; What a wonderful gift you have been given. To make one of God's children happy. He chose her parents well. Keep the faith and love her forever. Heavenly Father saw to it that you were well trained to take care of this precious child. My heart and prayers go out to you. I really admire you.

Anonymous | 6:31 a.m. June 15, 2008

There is a lesson here far beyond anything we can imagine. God bless your family.

L. G. KIRKPATRICK | 6:42 a.m. June 15, 2008

My heart goes out to the entire Williams and allied families. I cannot imagine a worse scenario for any parent than watching helplessly as an innocent and loved child goes through the insidious progression of a fatal disease. I join in the thousands of prayers for this entire family. And to Eliza, I hope we can all live worthily enough to meet you some day in a place that will be far and away better than this mortal coil.

To other families, I'd just like to say that none of us are promised tomorrow, so love one another now while we have the opportunity to do so.

Onyilo D Onyilo | 7:12 a.m. June 15, 2008

The Callahan's, you are a strong family,your strength even at such a time is admirable,your love i want to emulate,your pain God has helped you manage and i pray God to comfort you.Your baby is sweet,though sick,she is blessed to have parents like you.The Lord richly bless you.Pax Vobiscum

Carole Knowles | 7:43 a.m. June 15, 2008

I am so sorry for your pain and suffering, but so grateful for your ability to share your story. It does make a difference in my life. Thank you.

samhill | 7:48 a.m. June 15, 2008

A very well written and tragically poignant story.

My only consolation is that Eliza has had such loving and caring parents and that this story might prompt more people to have genetic testing to try and avoid such heart-rending tales. Hopefully, someday, there will be a way to correct the type of genetic problems now being suffered by Eliza and her family. Meanwhile, it is a sad fact of life that we are completely dependant on the DNA blueprint we inherit from our parents.

Allan | 8:05 a.m. June 15, 2008

My twin girls were born 4 months premature. Less than a pound each and smaller than dollar bills. We had to let one go about a month later. My survivor is now 9 and special needs. I have watched as "Babyland" in the Provo cemetery has steadily filled with these precious innocents. My wife & I go whenever we can, and have centered our lives around our little miracle child. Shes 9 now. I have balled my eyes out over this story because I remember how cruelly all those medical terms become a part of a vocabulary that never wanted to know about such things, and was content to speak only of love. My only comfort has been that one day, we'll meet again in a hereafter where such things are no longer a concern. I hope this little family will be stronger as the time passes. And may God bless them, every one.

Meagan and Josh | 9:13 a.m. June 15, 2008

What a wonderful Father's Day surprise it was to see this article. Eliza is our niece and we are so thankful to Deseret News for helping get her story out. Eliza and her parents are shining examples to us and we're grateful for each of them.

Spanish "forker" | 9:35 a.m. June 15, 2008

How tremendous that as parents you have opted to keep this special angel at home and love her back.
A dear friend's child was born w/o most of her brain and now their family shares all the memories of over 10 years when they were told she would never live a year, COME On UTAH send on some books and make a memory. God Bless your efforts Williams family

Addie Stowers | 9:48 a.m. June 15, 2008

GOD BE WITH YOU ALL. WHAT BEAUTIFUL PARENTS YOU ARE. MAYBE THE LORD GAVE HER TO YOU FOR A WHILE TO BRING YOU LOVE AND A CHANCE TO SHOW LOVE. THIS BEAUTIFUL ANGEL WAS SENT HERE FOR A REASON, I PRAY SHE IS IN NO PAIN AND THAT YOU CAN BOTH REMAIN STRONG, GOD WILL BLESS YOU FOR THE LOVE YOU ARE GIVING HER.I PRAY YOU HAVE WHAT YOU NEED AND SHE FEELS YOUR LOVE AND COMFORT. BLESS YOU, ADDIE

Amanda Rudolph | 11:01 a.m. June 15, 2008

This story is such a heart breaker, I work at primary childrens hospital so I see what you and other familys go threw to hear such devistating news. She has inpacted so many people threw her story. just take one day at a time and write down every moment you love about her.

Charlene in Layton, Utah | 11:09 a.m. June 15, 2008

I will keep your family in my prayers and I know that God will see to it that your family will be blessed in a great way as a result of your love for Eliza. She is an angel!

Vic | 11:10 a.m. June 15, 2008

What a precious toddler. I pray for this family. This is truly a very sad story.

While reading this story it brought many tears to my eyes. I was thinking how much I love my own children and what they all mean to me. My heart goes out deeply and sincerly to this lovely young family... Gods comfort and blessing be with them.

A Friend | 11:13 a.m. June 15, 2008

Nikki, I went to school with you a long time ago, you were amazing then and you are amazing now, your family is beautiful. While I'm sorry you all have to suffer this pain, each of your strength is inspiring. No doubt your little girl feels safe and warm with you. Hold strong, you have brought awareness to many.

dunshees | 11:16 a.m. June 15, 2008

The Deseret News has never had a more beautiful front page photo or story. We are so thrilled with the coverage that Eliza's story is getting, because so many lives are being impacted. Words cannot express our love and admiration for the three of you. Thank you for blessing countless lives by your courageous example. We love you.

Melissa Richens | 11:50 a.m. June 15, 2008

I cannot start to express my feelings reading this devastating story. When I walked in my kitchen this Fathers day morning, I never dreamed of being touched like this. I am so sorry, but I know this does not help your pain. All of these wonderful people that wrote comments to your family are no doubt God filled, great people, but that does not even begin to touch what you've been through. My family and I will pray for you. Never under- estimate the power of prayer, I have seen what it can do.She is here to teach us and help us to love the way we should love everyday, you could'nt have asked for a more precious gift in a child than being an absolute angel, like Eliza is. GOD BLESS.

David Bradley | 12:12 p.m. June 15, 2008

My heart is heavy with sadness for you and family.I lost my first born 29 years ago and I know what you are going thru.With the strength in your heart and your deep love from you and God and family may a cure be found soon.Be strong to your faith and family and just maybe the miracle will come!!

CalMom | 12:22 p.m. June 15, 2008

As the mother of a 3 year old, this story was really difficult for me to read. My thoughts and prayers are with this beautiful child and her parents as they battle this cruel and terrible disease. May God bless and keep you all close to His heart.

Butcher Family | 12:42 p.m. June 15, 2008

I read the title of this story and my stomach started to get sick. To my suprise we were good friends with Callahan and his wife. My husband grew up with him and they were great friends. As newlywedds we hung out and went on trips to St. George. When we moved to cali we lost contact. We are now back and had no idea of the Williams family troulbes. I am shocked and filled with sadness. If there is anything I can do For Callahan and his wife we will. I am so sorry to here this sad news especially cause we had no idea and had to find all this out in the news. We also have a 3 year old so this makes everything that much harder. Our prayers are with you we love your family and are so sorry for this awful time in your lives. Thinking about you alot Love Brandon and Tenille.

A friend | 12:43 p.m. June 15, 2008

I went to high school with Callahan and was touched to read this article today. What an amazing story. Eliza sounds like a remarkable girl with amazing and strong parents. The Callahan family will be in my prayers. I hope you have many wonderful memories with your precious daughter.

Joshua | 1:05 p.m. June 15, 2008

I have a daughter who is almost 2. Tears swelled my eyes as I read this story. I pray for peace and comfort for the Callahan family. God bless you Callahan Family.

Isaac | 1:07 p.m. June 15, 2008

I've known Callahan for years. Haven't talked much lately, but love the guy to death. Got a little girl of my own coming in a few months, and this really hits home. Prayers are with you buddy.

Stacie | 1:17 p.m. June 15, 2008

This really touched my heart. What an amazing little girl. It is comforting to know that one day Eliza will be free of all physical and mental disablities. I truly believe this is one of the Heavenly Fathers angels, sent to earth to teach us all something, and she has. LOVE. God bless the family and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

bleedkentuckyblue | 1:37 p.m. June 15, 2008

journalistically, this is a very well-written story. I read every word, and it definitely made me cry, since I have a 4-month old little girl. Great Job, Deseret News! This reporter ought to be commended for such a powerful, well-written feature story for Father's Day.
The situation is sad, and I pray for this family, but thanks, DesNews, for turning a depressing, sad story into a powerful, thought-provoking one. All of us should be thankful for good health today.

Grandma L | 2:13 p.m. June 15, 2008

I was blessed with three beautiful daughters and now
cherish every moment I get to spend with my three year old grandaughter. Tears flowed while reading this heartbreaking story. I feel honored that Callahan and Nikki shared Eliza's story with us.
Treasure your memories and know because of our Savior she will smile and run into your arms again.
I will definitely be collecting books to donate to make Eliza's wish come true. And I will think of her every time I read a story to my Grandaughter. God bless you!

Dan | 3:39 p.m. June 15, 2008

May Heaven bless these good people. They are in my prayers

re:samhill | 3:49 p.m. June 15, 2008

Genetic testing has a long way to go and I'm not so sure it's the right way to go. I have a child with genetic mutation on the 22nd chromosome. There are just too many problems to test for and where would it stop? Did you know that the majority of pregnancies diagnosed with a Downs Syndrome baby end in abortion? That's tragic too. Life is heart breaking but my guess is that the parents of this beautiful little girl wouldn't change having her in their lives even if genetic testing told of the ensuing problems to come.

Anonymus | 3:54 p.m. June 15, 2008

I went to the same high school as Callahan, just a year behind. What a special experience and amazing parents to be so strong. May God bless you and comfort you.

Gene and Viol | 5:05 p.m. June 15, 2008

From the Philippines, May Heavenly Father forever bless your little angel and both of you as well...

Barbara - Las Vegas, NV | 5:57 p.m. June 15, 2008

I was so touched by this story - the parents are so special to this amazing little spirit - I hope and pray that what ever strength and blessings they need will be always with them - you are both such examples of the Gospel and the true definition of Love. God Bless all of you abundantly -

Charles | 5:58 p.m. June 15, 2008

My son who is now 45 had some problems when he was a todler. Nothing serious we were to learn, however at first we thought it was very serious. As with these wonderful people it took us months and many doctors to find out what was wrong. Our story turned out different. MY heart goes out to this family. I also goes out to the many familys that wiil suffer the same or similiar problems.

I am asking the Desert News to publish some details of the symptoms and other things someone should know if they have problems like this. Why did it take so long for the proper diagnosis?

I am asking the AMA to educate the doctors to these therrible problems so it does not take so long to find out what is going on.

God bless you all.

Mariah hamilton | 6:27 p.m. June 15, 2008

I have a heart condition and a whole bunch of stuff. but I get through it so I hope you will get through this as well.

God Bless you!

Anonymous | 7:05 p.m. June 15, 2008

Eliza is probably one of the greatest examples to me in my life. We are actually friends with her parents, who are amazing in every way. I love how every 4th day of every month, the Williams hold a birthday party. It's fun to sit there, moving my fingers through her delicate, silky hair. Sometimes she even moves around and gives the tiniest smile. Another amazing thing, is when our ward members volunteer to help her while her mom runs errands. My mother tried for weeks and weeks to get on a list to watch her for 2 or so hours, but it was always full! Luckily she is scheduled soon.
I'm truly going to miss little Eliza. Whenever I'm having a really bad day, I look at her, and realize that my life could change for the worse, and that I need to enjoy every second of it. I love you Eliza.

Eric R | 7:52 p.m. June 15, 2008

Williams Family,

Thank you for reminding us all how to be parents and how to love with the purest love. Callahan, you should be a very proud father today. Nikki, please know of our prayers for you during this incredibly painful and overwhelming time. May God bless you Eliza

JohnDallas | 9:20 p.m. June 15, 2008

My wife and I sent a three month old, a four year old and a 31 year old home to Heavenly Father because of a genetic disorder that we knew nothing about until they began to become ill some years ago. Watching your children suffer and not being able to do anything about it makes you feel so helpless and the hurt is sometimes almost more than you can bear.
It's been over thirty years ago that we sent the first two home to Heavenly Father. We still remember them but the hurt has gone away. Life went on and now we are not so far from the day that we will see our sons once again.
God Bless you and your little angel.

Errol | 9:40 p.m. June 15, 2008

Thanks, Deseret News. Stories like this should remind us of how precious our own little children are. Hopefully we can all reach out to families like this one and in the process learn just how wonderful these children are.

Kelly | 10:07 p.m. June 15, 2008

To the Williams family,
My prayers are with you and your beautiful daughter. Our 14 month-old was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre last year, and thankfully was healed. I'll never forget the numbing fear and heartache of watching our baby lying in a hospital crib and not knowing how to help her. You will have your daughter whole again one day---I know that without a doubt! For the time being, it was so heartwarming to see how lovingly you connect with her in ways she can feel and recognize!

Wells family | 10:13 p.m. June 15, 2008

I know first band how heart breaking this disease is. My 7 year old niece, Hunter died from it 2 months ago. It's so sad but you feel so much peace and happiness when they die, because they are able to be free of this disfunctional body. They can run and jump and sing in heaven. My prayer go out to you and your family. I wish you the best with the years to come.

ChristiGud | 10:17 p.m. June 15, 2008

I just had a good cry. The pictures of your sweet Eliza were breathtaking..as was the interaction between this sweet girl and her Mommy and Daddy. What a blessing to love so much, and to have such a precious baby girl come into your lives. Thank you so much for sharing your story, and allowing us of what I believe is heaven on earth..a home where there is love.

Emily | 11:07 p.m. June 15, 2008

I have tears in my eyes as a read this... It's such a sad thing, but your love for her is so touching. I know our Heavenly Father loves you all so very much. And He will be there for you when you need it most.

I love animals so very much too...and small children. They're some of the absolute sweetest, purest things in this world.

Your wonderful, little girl is and forever will be, tenderly taken care of.

Two Angel Parents who had | 11:11 p.m. June 15, 2008

an angel baby girl. Our prayers are with you and your family. What a wonderful blessing it is to know not only where we came from, why we are here, but where we are going.

Each of us have different tests in this life. You have touched my heart with your story and given me a much deeper appreciation of life and time spent with loved ones.

Father in Heaven knew what he was doing when he placed this little angel in your hands. Only two angel parents could lovingly comfort and truly love this little girl.

May your memories of her in your life now serve you in the future.

Thank you for sharing your story and for your compassion which is evident through your story.

The world is full of parents, but you are loving parents and I commend you on your strength and your endurance because you truly LOVE your little girl and each other. Thank You.

Nancy | 11:36 p.m. June 15, 2008

Thank you for sharing this story. What a wonderful people you are and special people to take care of this precious child. This story reminds me of how grateful I should be to be with my children everyday and cherish them.

Anonymous | 11:46 p.m. June 15, 2008

A masterpiece. My love to the Williamses.

Cheryl Swenson | 11:58 p.m. June 15, 2008

God bless you and your sweet little girl Eliza. Your story and the picture of Eliza touched my heart so deeply. I pray that somehow a miracle can happen and Eliza can get better. If that can't happen, I pray that you can find the peace in your heart to help you through this very sad trial that you are going through. God loves you and knows your hearts. He knows the heart of your little angel I will pray for all of you.

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