Ethan Rhodes
Kaleb, a 16-year-old boy who has appeared in Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials, was born with brittle bone disease and has broken his bones over 200 times. He had his first surgery at just seven days old, and Shriners Hospitals for Children has been there to support him ever since. Through specialised care, Kaleb has been able to ride a bike, climb, and race, and he's even learning to stand and walk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Kaleb |
| Age | 16 years |
| Disease | Brittle bone disease |
| Number of bone breaks | Over 200 |
| Treatment | Surgery, special equipment, physical therapy, special rods to support legs |
| Hospital | Shriners Hospitals for Children |
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What You'll Learn
Caleb had surgery at seven days old
Caleb, a baby boy born with brittle bone disease, underwent surgery at just seven days old. His parents, Marie-Hélène and Alberto, sought specialised care for their son from Shriners Children's Hospital, a nonprofit healthcare system. The hospital has played a significant role in Caleb's life, providing him with essential support and treatment.
Caleb's story is a testament to the impact of early intervention and specialised medical care. From his first surgery at seven days old, it was clear that Shriners Hospital would be a crucial part of his journey. The hospital has been a constant source of help and hope for Caleb and his family.
Brittle bone disease, or osteogenesis imperfecta, is a genetic disorder characterised by fragile bones that break easily. Individuals with this condition often experience multiple fractures throughout their lives. Caleb, despite his young age, has already broken his bones over 200 times. This highlights the severity of his condition and the challenges he faces.
At Shriners Hospital, Caleb received comprehensive care tailored to his unique needs. The hospital provided him with special equipment and customised rods to support his legs. They also offered physical therapy and coaching, helping Caleb develop his motor skills and strengthen his bones. Through their support, Caleb has achieved milestones such as riding a bike, climbing, and racing.
The impact of Shriners Hospital extends beyond medical care. Caleb's parents, Marie-Hélène and Alberto, have expressed their gratitude for the long-term, caring relationships they have developed with the hospital staff. The support and connections they've made with doctors, nurses, and other patient parents have given them the strength to stay resilient and positive during Caleb's challenging journey.
Today, Caleb is an inspiring young boy who has overcome numerous obstacles. With the help of Shriners Hospital, he is learning to stand and walk, defying the limitations of his condition. His story serves as a source of courage and hope for others facing similar challenges.
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Caleb has broken his bones over 200 times
Caleb, a patient at Shriners Hospital, has broken his bones over 200 times due to a rare genetic disorder called osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. This condition causes bones to break easily, even from minor impacts or with no apparent cause. Despite these challenges, Caleb has not let his condition stop him from achieving his goals.
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a lifelong condition that affects the body's ability to produce strong bones. It is caused by a defect in the gene that encodes for type I collagen, a protein essential for bone strength and structure. As a result, individuals with this condition often experience frequent bone fractures, which can occur with minimal trauma or even during routine activities. In severe cases, fractures can occur spontaneously, without any apparent cause.
Caleb has experienced an extremely high number of bone fractures, with over 200 breaks in his lifetime. This has undoubtedly led to significant physical challenges and medical complications. Each fracture would have required time to heal and often resulted in hospitalisations, surgeries, and prolonged periods of immobilisation. The repeated breaks and subsequent healing processes can also lead to deformities, shortened limbs, and chronic pain.
Despite the immense challenges posed by his condition, Caleb has remained resilient and determined. He has undergone 11 surgeries and is now stronger than ever, learning to stand and walk on his own. This is a remarkable achievement, given the significant physical limitations and pain that individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta typically experience.
Caleb's story is a testament to his courage and the impact of supportive medical care. Shriners Hospital has played a crucial role in his journey, providing life-changing treatment and enabling him to gain strength and mobility. Caleb's experience highlights the importance of specialised care and the potential for individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta to overcome their physical limitations and lead fulfilling lives.
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Caleb is 16 years old
Caleb, a 16-year-old boy who has appeared in Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials, was born with brittle bone disease. He has broken his bones over 200 times. Caleb had his first surgery at just seven days old, and Shriners Hospitals for Children has been there to support him ever since. The organisation has provided him with special equipment, physical therapy, and specially designed rods to support his legs. Thanks to their help, Caleb can now ride a bike, climb, and race, and he's learning to stand and walk.
Caleb's story is one of courage and determination. He has not let his condition hold him back and has shared his inspiring journey with millions worldwide. The care he has received from Shriners Hospitals for Children has been life-changing, and he credits the organisation for enabling him to achieve his milestones.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a nonprofit healthcare system that provides specialised care for children like Caleb, ensuring they can lead fulfilling lives. The hospital's work is made possible by generous donations from individuals, allowing them to offer treatment regardless of a family's financial situation.
Caleb's parents, Marie-Hélène and Alberto, have expressed their gratitude for the hospital's support. Marie-Hélène has shared how donations have given her son the opportunity to laugh and play, and hope for a brighter future without the constant fear of fracturing his bones.
Caleb's story serves as a testament to the impact of Shriners Hospitals for Children's work. At 16, he embodies courage and resilience, inspiring others facing similar challenges.
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Caleb has brittle bone disease
OI is caused by a defect in the genes that carry the instructions for making type I collagen, a material in bones that helps make them strong. This defect leads to the body either not producing enough collagen or producing collagen that does not work properly. As a result, Caleb's bones are weak and brittle and can break easily. OI can also affect other connective tissues in the body that contain type I collagen, such as tendons, ligaments, lungs, and skin.
There are at least eight different types of OI, and the symptoms can vary greatly within and between types. Some of the symptoms that Caleb may experience include malformed or bowing of long bones, small stature, skin that bruises easily, loose joints, weak muscles, hearing loss, breathing problems, and problems with teeth. In more severe cases of OI, there can be potentially life-threatening complications, such as tearing of major arteries and pulmonary valve insufficiency.
The diagnosis of OI is typically based on medical imaging, including X-rays and DEXA scans, which can show weak or deformed bones and fractures. Treatment for OI aims to prevent deformities and fractures and help individuals with the disease function as independently as possible. Bisphosphonate medicines and surgical procedures, such as the insertion of metal rods in long bones, can be used to improve bone strength.
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Shriners is a nonprofit healthcare system
Shriners Children's, commonly known as Shriners Hospitals for Children, is a network of non-profit children's hospitals and paediatric medical facilities across North America. The hospitals are owned and operated by Shriners International, formally known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, a Freemasonry-related organisation whose members are known as Shriners. The network is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and consists of 22 hospitals that provide specialty paediatric care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs.
The Shriners Hospitals for Children network primarily treats children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. In addition, they also offer craniofacial, colorectal and gastrointestinal care, and sports medicine. All treatments are provided in a family-centred environment, regardless of the patient's ability to pay. The hospitals' CEO, Douglas Maxwell, has stated that children with these conditions will continue to be treated without charge to their families. Transportation to the hospitals is also often provided free of charge for patients and their families by Shriner-drivers (also known as Hospital Tripsters) across the country, by van or by airplane.
The Shriners Hospitals for Children network has earned a 4/4-star rating on Charity Navigator. In 1994, the Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked Shriners Hospitals as the 9th "most popular charity/non-profit in America" out of over 100 charities researched. The nonprofit organisation demonstrates strategic thinking by articulating its mission and vision. The mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children is to improve the lives of children by providing specialty paediatric care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs. Their vision is to serve more children in more locations than ever before.
The leadership at Shriners Children's invests in its employees by providing continuing education, training, conferences, and networking opportunities to encourage collaboration and the adoption of best practices. Every year, Shriners Children's selects two International Patient Ambassadors to represent the healthcare system's patients. The ambassadors for 2025-2026 are Carlota and Brandon, who share their incredible stories of receiving treatment at Shriners Hospitals for their conditions of brain palsy and acute flaccid myelitis, respectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Caleb is now 16 years old. He has shared his inspiring story of courage with millions around the world.
Caleb was born with brittle bone disease and had his first surgery at just seven days old. He has broken his bones over 200 times. Shriners Children's has provided him with special equipment, physical therapy, and special rods to support his legs. Now, Caleb can ride a bike, climb, and race, and he's learning to stand and walk.
Donation money goes towards providing life-changing medical care to children like Caleb. This includes special equipment, physical therapy, and support from doctors, nurses, and hospital staff.
