For many families, Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for one family in Pelham, Alabama, this Christmas would be anything but ordinary. Three-month-old Landry Cummins, born on August 23rd, 2025, at 37 weeks, would face an unexpected and challenging holiday. On Christmas Eve, instead of playing with toys and being surrounded by family, Landry would undergo a life-changing surgery at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. He would have his pancreas removed in order to treat a rare condition called Congenital Hyperinsulinism, a condition that has affected both Landry and his father, Cody.
Landry’s story begins long before this Christmas. Born weighing 13 pounds, 9 ounces, Landry was a big baby, even for a full-term infant. But his larger-than-life size was due to an even greater challenge. Landry had been diagnosed with Congenital Hyperinsulinism, specifically the GCK mutation, which caused his pancreas to overproduce insulin. This excess insulin led to dangerously low blood sugar levels, a condition that could cause organ failure and other severe health complications.
“At one point, Landry’s sugar level dropped to 8,” said his mom, Macie. “Organs can be compromised at that level. It was a terrifying experience.” With every drop in Landry’s blood sugar, the risk of permanent damage grew. For Macie and her husband, Cody, the knowledge of how serious this condition was weighed heavily on their hearts. But they also had hope—because Cody had been through this same journey.
Years ago, Cody had been diagnosed with the same condition, Congenital Hyperinsulinism. At a young age, Cody had to undergo surgery to remove his pancreas. Today, at 24 years old, Cody is thriving. He has led a full life, and his health has remained stable ever since. For Cody and Macie, his successful recovery became a beacon of hope for their son Landry. While Landry’s diagnosis had initially filled them with fear and uncertainty, knowing that Cody had overcome this condition gave them the strength to face the upcoming surgery with optimism.
At three months old, Landry weighed 24.6 pounds—about the weight of an 18-month-old child. His growth had been impressive, and despite his medical condition, Landry had remained a lively, strong baby. However, his parents knew that his future hinged on the success of the surgery that would be performed on Christmas Eve.
The surgery to remove Landry’s pancreas was a complex and delicate procedure, but it was the best chance for him to live a healthy, normal life. His medical team at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia had been preparing for this surgery for months, and while Macie and Cody were understandably anxious, they were filled with hope. The same procedure had allowed Cody to lead a full, happy life, and now it was Landry’s turn to benefit from it.
On Christmas Eve, as Landry was wheeled into surgery, his parents held onto each other, their hearts heavy with the weight of the moment. This Christmas would not be filled with the usual holiday cheer. Instead, it would be spent in the sterile hospital room, awaiting news of their son’s surgery. But even in the face of uncertainty, they held onto the belief that Landry would pull through, just as Cody had done years ago.
The surgery went as planned, and Landry’s recovery began the following day. Christmas Day was spent in the hospital, but instead of despair, there was hope. Landry, still so small but so strong, was on the path to a better life. His body would no longer be overwhelmed by the excess insulin, and the road to a healthier future was now within reach. For Macie and Cody, this Christmas was about more than just the holiday—it was about the gift of life and the hope for a future where Landry could live without the limitations that had once seemed so overwhelming.
As they sat by Landry’s side on Christmas Day, Cody and Macie reflected on the difficult journey they had already traveled and the road ahead. They had spent the past few months in a state of constant worry, watching their son struggle with a condition that had threatened his health. But as they looked at Landry, peacefully resting after his surgery, they felt an overwhelming sense of relief. They knew that this was only the beginning of a new chapter for their son—a chapter where he could thrive without the constant fear of low blood sugar and organ failure.
For Cody, watching his son go through what he himself had endured was both heartbreaking and hopeful. “I know how hard it was for me, and I know how much better my life is now,” Cody said. “I just want the same for Landry. I want him to have the chance to live a normal, healthy life, and this surgery gives him that chance.”
While their Christmas Day may not have been filled with the usual festivities, it was filled with something far more precious—hope. Landry’s surgery was a success, and now, the Cummins family could begin to look forward to the future. Soon, Landry would be weaned off the bottle and begin the journey of growing up, no longer held back by the constraints of his condition.
The road to recovery would not be easy, and the family knew there would be challenges ahead. But they also knew that Landry had a strong foundation—he had his loving parents, a successful surgery behind him, and a bright future ahead. Landry’s journey was a testament to the power of resilience, the strength of family, and the hope that one day, all children, no matter their struggles, can lead a life filled with possibility.
As Landry began to recover and his strength continued to grow, Cody and Macie couldn’t help but feel grateful for the incredible support they had received from the medical team, their family, and their community. This Christmas, though spent in a hospital, would forever be marked as the moment when Landry’s future became brighter and more hopeful than ever before.
Now, as Landry continues to heal, Macie and Cody look ahead to a future full of milestones—milestones they will celebrate together as a family. For them, this Christmas was a reminder that even in the toughest of times, there is always hope. With love, strength, and determination, their son will lead a life full of promise, just like his father did.
