Biggar, 14, is being treated for a life-threatening illness. She was diagnosed with a yeast infection in her blood seven weeks ago and was on aggressive antibiotic therapy to clear up the infection.
Complicating matters further, Biggar will be transferred to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton next week. There, on July 11, he’s scheduled to have open-heart surgery and get a pacemaker he’s had since childhood.
Biggar was born with multiple, life-threatening birth defects and has undergone 44 surgeries. She was born with three holes in her heart and is 100% dependent on a feeding tube.
Biggar’s kidney function is also declining, making surgery even more necessary.
Airdrie’s Kaley Biggar had tickets to see her idol Shawn Mendes play the Saddledome Monday, but can’t go due to medical complications surrounding an upcoming open-heart surgery July 11 Mendes’ show in Calgary was supposed to be the teenager’s first concert experience, but Biggar couldn’t risk catching even a minor infection as he prepares for her heart surgery.
The teenager was devastated to have to miss the concert, but hours before she was due to perform, Mendes surprised the Airdrie resident with a video call.
“She was so excited,” said Vicky Biggar, Callie’s mom. “It definitely brought some light to what it is.”
When it came time for the teenage girl to see her reflection on the iPad screen, it brought joy to the family during a time of intense pressure.
In March, her father Brodie Biggar, 43, died at home after complications from COVID-19 and diabetes.
Listening to Mendes’ music and watching videos of him performing was something that bonded him with his teenage daughter.
Biggar repeated to CTV News on Tuesday what she told Mendes during their special call.
“I love you my boy Sean,” she said.
Mendes sent Biggar an autographed hoodie that read “Kaley, I love you so much.”
