This Christmas, one family in Pelham, Alabama, will face a holiday season unlike any other. Instead of the usual festive celebrations filled with laughter, gifts, and joy, three-month-old Landry Cummins will be undergoing life-saving surgery on Christmas Eve. The surgery will involve the removal of his pancreas, a critical procedure that will help save his life and provide a brighter future. Landry’s Christmas Day will not be filled with the usual wonder of the season; instead, he will spend the day recovering at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, surrounded by medical professionals who are working tirelessly to ensure his well-being.
But despite the hardship, this family has a profound sense of hope. They are determined to face the challenges ahead with love, strength, and optimism. Landry’s story is one of both struggle and hope, and his journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
A Life-Defining Diagnosis
Landry Cummins was born on August 23rd, 2025, at 37 weeks, weighing an impressive 9 pounds, 13 ounces. While this may sound like the healthy birth of a big baby, it was a sign that something wasn’t quite right. Soon after his birth, doctors discovered that Landry had a rare condition called Congenital Hyperinsulinism, specifically the GCK mutation.
Congenital Hyperinsulinism is a condition where the pancreas produces an excessive amount of insulin, which can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels. For Landry, this condition led to significant complications, with his blood sugar levels dropping as low as 8 — a dangerously low level that can compromise organ function. As his mother, Macie Cummins, explains, “When Landry’s sugar levels drop so low, it can harm his organs, and the risks can be life-threatening.”
From the moment Landry was born, his family knew that their lives would never be the same. The first few months were filled with hospital visits, doctors’ appointments, and the constant worry of how to stabilize his condition. The disease was taking a toll on little Landry’s body, and his parents feared for his future. But amidst the uncertainty, there was a glimmer of hope — hope that Landry’s story could end differently, thanks to his father, Cody, who had faced the same condition when he was younger.
A Family’s Legacy of Strength
Cody, Landry’s father, was diagnosed with Congenital Hyperinsulinism when he was an infant, much like his son. As a child, Cody underwent a similar procedure to the one that Landry is about to face — the removal of his pancreas. Cody’s journey was fraught with challenges, but he emerged from it stronger, and today, at the age of 24, he is living a healthy, happy life. Cody’s success story gives his family hope that Landry can overcome the same difficulties that once affected him.
Macie shares that Cody’s experience has been a source of strength for both of them. “Cody has been through this, and now he’s living a healthy, normal life. That’s why we believe in Landry’s future — because we’ve seen it happen before,” she says. “Cody is doing great now, and we know that Landry can too.”
In fact, Landry’s progress has been encouraging. At just three months old, he weighs 24.6 pounds — a weight typical for an 18-month-old. Macie and Cody are proud of their son’s growth, even though it’s partly due to his body compensating for the excess insulin production. They understand that his weight may drop after his surgery, but they are optimistic about his future and the possibility of Landry living a healthier life, free from the complications of Congenital Hyperinsulinism.
The Upcoming Surgery
As Christmas approaches, the family’s emotions are a mix of apprehension and hope. The reality of Landry’s surgery is difficult to bear, but they remain positive, focusing on the future rather than the immediate challenges. Cody and Macie are ready for the surgery, knowing it’s the best chance for their son to live a full, healthy life.
Macie reflects on the long journey that brought them to this point. “It’s been a difficult road, and we’ve had so many sleepless nights wondering what the future holds. But we know this surgery is our best chance. It will give Landry a chance at a normal life, a life without the constant battle of trying to maintain his blood sugar levels.”
Cody adds, “We’re confident in the medical team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. They’ve done this kind of surgery many times before, and we believe in their expertise. We’re just taking it one step at a time, staying hopeful and trusting that this surgery will make a world of difference for Landry.”
The family has been holding on to the belief that Landry’s surgery, despite its difficulty and the uncertainty surrounding it, is a turning point. It represents the possibility of a better future, a future where Landry can grow up free from the physical limitations caused by his condition. His parents are committed to doing whatever it takes to help him thrive.
A Community’s Support
Throughout this journey, Cody and Macie have been buoyed by the support of their friends, family, and the wider community. They are deeply grateful for the love and care that has been shown to them. As they prepare for Landry’s surgery, they are thankful for the outpouring of kindness they’ve received.
The family has also received help in the form of fundraising to cover medical expenses and travel costs. While they are still working through the financial challenges of Landry’s medical care, they are overwhelmed by the generosity of their community, who has rallied around them. The support has given them strength and reminded them that they are not alone in this fight.
“We’ve been amazed by the kindness of others,” Macie says. “People who don’t even know us have reached out, donated, and offered their prayers. It’s been a blessing to see how many people care. It’s given us the strength to keep going, even on the hardest days.”
A Christmas of Hope
As Christmas Eve approaches, the family’s plans are a far cry from the traditional holiday celebrations. Instead of spending the day at home, exchanging gifts and creating memories, they will be at the hospital, waiting for their son’s surgery. However, despite the circumstances, they remain hopeful.
“It’s going to be a difficult Christmas, but we are holding on to the belief that it will also be a Christmas of hope,” says Cody. “This surgery is going to change everything for Landry. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, one where he can grow up healthy and happy.”
The Cummins family is not focused on what they’ve lost, but rather on what they are gaining — a brighter future for their son. As they face this uncertain time, they are reminded of the love that surrounds them and the strength of their little boy, who has already proven time and again that he is a fighter.
A Legacy of Love and Resilience
Landry’s journey, though just beginning, is already an inspiration. His fight, his courage, and his family’s unwavering dedication to his health are testaments to the power of love and resilience. The road ahead will not be easy, but with the support of their community and the medical team caring for Landry, the Cummins family is hopeful for the future.
This Christmas, Landry’s parents are holding on to the belief that there is a brighter future ahead for their son, one filled with hope, love, and a life free from the challenges he has faced. They are committed to giving him the best chance at a healthy life, and they are confident that with time, Landry will thrive.
Landry’s story is a reminder that miracles can happen, even in the most difficult of circumstances. And as the family moves forward, they are determined to celebrate the gift of life — the gift of hope — every day, no matter where they are.
A Brighter Future for Landry
As Landry heads into surgery, his family is filled with hope, gratitude, and determination. The road ahead may be filled with obstacles, but with love, support, and unwavering hope, they are ready to face whatever comes next. Landry’s story is just beginning, and with his family by his side, there is no limit to what he can achieve.