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Ella’s condition improved and fast forward to Dec. 31, 2024, she became a big sister to Demi Carter Logan.

A regular ultrasound performed during pregnancy showed that Demi had a dilated ureter. A muscular tube that transports urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder, the ureter is a vital part of the urinary system as it ensures efficient flow of the urine. The Logans’ doctor told them he had only seen one incident where an issue with a ureter in an infant did not resolve (or shrink to normal size) prior to birth and this brought them comfort.

Kaitlin gave birth to Demi in Gallatin, but four hours later, they were transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“Demi’s condition is sort of an umbrella term,� said Kaitlin. “She was born with a condition called hydroureteronephrosis, and it affects her entire renal system. Where a normal ureter might have the diameter of an ink pen, Demi’s is the diameter of a hotdog. The valve in the tube on her right side doesn’t function properly, so urine can sit in the tube longer than it should and can reflux back into the kidney. This has made her super prone to infections.�

After repeated infections and treatments, Demi’s system became immune to most antibiotic treatments. The only treatment that was working to fight these infections involved IV medications that required 10-day hospital stays with treatments every eight hours, but doctors told the Logans that they couldn’t continue with this method as they were concerned about damage to the child’s kidneys.

During surgery on April 1, 2025, doctors performed an ureterostomy to divert urine from the kidney to the outside of the body through a stoma which would drain directly into the child’s diaper.

At home, Demi’s care is detailed and daily. She has been on antibiotics since birth and every three weeks she returns to the Vanderbilt children’s hospital in Nashville for an ultrasound and urinalysis.

If there are no issues, Demi will face an all-day surgery when she is about one year old to disconnect and reverse the stoma and reconnect the ureter back to the bladder and repair the valve.

“When we were expecting Demi, the doctors thought she would be a big baby, so we scheduled a C-Section,� said Kaitlin.

Demi weighed nine pounds and two ounces at birth.

“A month after she was born, I had to have emergency surgery to remove my gall bladder,� said Kaitlin. “People sometimes ask how I’m getting through all this. I just tell them I was never given an option. I’m exhausted for sure, but I wouldn’t trade anything for my girls.�

A benefit dinner for Demi Logan and her family has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, from 4:30-8 p.m. at the Cove Restaurant, 1095 Boat Dock Lane, Hartsville. The dinner includes spaghetti, a side salad and drink for $12. Desserts will be available for purchase and items for a silent auction will also be available. Keith Logan (Demi’s grandfather) and Bryan Karr will provide live entertainment. All proceeds from the event will help with medical bills and supplies.

“We are so thankful for all the support we have received from family, friends and our community,� said Kaitlin. “Please continue to keep Demi and our family in your prayers.�