Callahan Blum, a 30-year-old woman from San Diego, California, passed away on April 17, 2022, after being hospitalized for multi-organ failure. Her death was a tragic result of her long struggle with addiction, a disease that she bravely shared openly about in hopes of helping others. She is survived by her wife Becca, her parents, her siblings, and many other relatives and friends who loved her dearly.
A Life Full of Love and Generosity
Callahan Blum was born on April 30, 1991, to Shelley and Chris Goodell. She grew up in Bakersfield, California, where she attended Crestmoor Elementary and Stockdale High School. She later graduated from Biola University with a degree in psychology.
Callahan had a magical childhood and was known as a warm and bright girl with a gift for writing. She grew into a woman of the purest heart, with great generosity. She worked with refugee children, fed the homeless, and offered a helping hand wherever she saw opportunity. She reached out to many in need and inspired struggling friends and acquaintances to pursue recovery.
An artist in many forms, Callahan loved to play guitar, paint, draw, and make gifts for her loved ones. She also had a passion for caring for young children and pursued a career as a nanny. She bonded strongly with the babies in her care and always had a baby in her arms.
Family and close connections were very important to Callahan. She loved game night more than anyone and enjoyed making her friends and family laugh with her quick and clever wit. She also loved the Pacific Northwest, where she spent some years living in Seattle with her wife Becca. They got engaged on Whidbey Island, which inspired the name of their beloved golden doodle pup.
The people around her were touched by the way she loved her wife Becca. Callahan’s affection, gentleness, and loyalty stood as a model to family and friends. The preciousness of her marriage was reflected in her strong belief that love is love.
A Battle with Addiction
Callahan also suffered from addiction, a disease that she struggled with off and on for a while. She was open about her challenges and sought help from various sources. She made huge strides in areas of her recovery in the past that she was incredibly proud of.
However, addiction is a chronic and relapsing condition that can have devastating consequences on one’s health and well-being. On April 2, 2022, Becca brought Callahan to the emergency room after she had been sick for a few weeks and did not seem to improve. Upon assessment, Callahan was diagnosed with multi-organ failure due to complications from substance use.
Callahan was put into a medically induced coma to stabilize her condition and underwent various life-saving interventions. She was monitored closely by an incredibly caring and devoted team at Kaiser Hospital in San Diego. They even played Taylor Swift in her room, which was Callahan’s favorite singer.
Despite the best efforts of the medical staff and the prayers and support of her family and friends, Callahan did not recover from her critical state. She passed away peacefully on April 17, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones.
A Legacy of Hope and Healing
Callahan’s death was a heartbreaking loss for everyone who knew her. She was a beautiful soul who touched many lives with her kindness, humor, creativity, and love. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Callahan’s life also serves as a reminder of the seriousness and complexity of addiction, a disease that affects millions of people around the world. Addiction is not a moral failing or a personal choice; it is a chronic brain disorder that requires professional treatment and ongoing support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please do not hesitate to seek help. There are many resources available to help you overcome this challenge and live a healthy and fulfilling life. You are not alone; there is hope and healing.
Some of the organizations that can help you are:
- The Trevor Project: A national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth.
- TWLOHA: A non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.
- ASPCA Seattle: An animal welfare organization that provides adoption, veterinary care, spay/neuter services, and humane education for animals in need.
You can also contact your local health care provider or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Callahan’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of these organizations in honor of Callahan.
Callahan’s family also thanks everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time. They are honored that you would consider partnering with and supporting them in this process.
Callahan’s funeral services will be held on April 30, 2022, in Bakersfield at The Belle Rae at 11:00 am, and on May 28, 2022, at The Bridge Club in La Jolla at 5:00 pm.
Callahan Christine Blum, you are loved and remembered. Rest in peace.
