By Sunday 
From hospital corridors to Hutchinson’s Instagram — one family’s courage finds its roar.
Detroit has always been a city that thrives on grit, faith, and heart. From the roar of Ford Field to the pulse of its neighborhoods, it’s a place where people don’t just cheer — they show up. And this week, the Detroit Lions community is showing up for one of their tiniest fighters: 1-year-old Isaac Calkins.
A Tiny Warrior with a Big Battle
Isaac’s mom, Carrie Calkins, describes him as a snuggle-loving, smile-giving little boy who has spent far too much of his short life in hospital rooms. Diagnosed with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTC deficiency) — a rare condition where the liver can’t break down ammonia properly — Isaac’s journey began before most babies even learn to crawl.
Doctors caught it early, and at just four months old, he underwent a life-saving liver transplant. For a while, things looked bright. But then, rejection set in. Not once, but multiple times.
Now, after months of treatments and hospital visits, Isaac’s family has learned he needs another transplant — this time from a living liver donor.
“We Just Need Some Help”
Carrie’s voice, full of both exhaustion and unwavering faith, carries the weight of a mother’s hope.
“I just want to see him grow up and be healthy and happy and live a normal kid’s life,” she said. “I know that God has a plan for him. And there’s a liver out there. We just need some help.”
She’s right — there is hope. A living liver donor can be anyone aged 21–55, leading a healthy life. And the incredible part? The donor’s liver grows back within months. It’s a second chance for Isaac — and for whoever steps forward.
A Message That Reached Ford Field
When Isaac’s older brother, 8-year-old Logan, decided to reach out to Detroit Lions star Aiden Hutchinson, the family didn’t expect much. But sometimes, a small act of love finds a massive amplifier.
Hutchinson saw the message — and reposted it on his Instagram story, sending Isaac’s plea to thousands of Lions fans across Michigan and beyond.
It wasn’t just a repost; it was a reminder that even in a season full of tackles and touchdowns, compassion still wins the game.
The Power of Community and Hope
The Calkins family created “Isaac OTC Warrior” pages on Facebook and Instagram to share updates and spread awareness about living liver donation. Each post, each share, and each comment brings them closer to finding the person who could save Isaac’s life.
In a world often divided by headlines, this story — of a football player, a brave family, and a city’s heart — unites people for something simple but profound: giving a child a chance to grow up.
Detroit has always known how to fight back. And now, it’s rallying behind one of its smallest fighters.
How You Can Help
If you’re between 21 and 55, in good health, and want to learn about becoming a living liver donor, visit your local transplant center or contact Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor for more information.
Because sometimes, being a hero doesn’t mean wearing a jersey — it means saving a life.