Logan Reid
Kaleb, the patient ambassador for Shriners Hospitals for Children, is 16 years old as of October 2024. He was born with brittle bone disease and has broken his bones over 200 times. Kaleb received his first surgery at Shriners when he was just seven days old, and the hospital has since played a significant role in his life. Thanks to the specialized care, equipment, and support provided by Shriners, Kaleb has learned to stand and walk, and can now also ride a bike, climb, and race.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Kaleb |
| Age | 16 years |
| Health condition | Brittle bone disease |
| Number of bone breaks | Over 200 |
| Hospital | Shriners Children's™ |
| Hospital type | Nonprofit healthcare system |
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What You'll Learn
Caleb is 16 years old
Caleb, a patient at Shriners Hospital, is 16 years old now. He was born with brittle bone disease and has broken his bones over 200 times. Despite this challenging condition, Caleb has not let it hold him back. Thanks to the specialized care and support he received from Shriners Hospitals for Children, Caleb has made remarkable progress.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a nonprofit healthcare system that has played a pivotal role in Caleb's life. From his first surgery at just seven days old to the present, the hospital has provided him with the necessary equipment, physical therapy, and specially designed rods to support his legs. As a result, Caleb can now ride a bike, climb, and race. He is also learning to stand and walk, achieving milestones that might have seemed impossible without the dedicated care he received.
Caleb's journey at Shriners Hospitals for Children has been life-changing. The hospital's work is made possible by generous donations, allowing them to provide personalized specialty care to children like Caleb, regardless of their families' financial situation. Through the support of donors, Shriners Hospitals for Children has helped over 1.5 million children, including Caleb, lead more fulfilling lives and reach their true potential.
Caleb's story is one of courage and determination. At 16 years old, he has already overcome numerous obstacles and continues to make strides toward a brighter future. His positive outlook and perseverance in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. Caleb's experience at Shriners Hospitals for Children has not only changed his life but also positively impacted his parents, giving them hope and support throughout their journey.
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He was born with brittle bone disease
Caleb was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease. OI is a genetic disorder that causes bones to be weak and break easily. It is characterised by brittle, misshapen, or discoloured teeth; hearing loss; breathing problems; and a deformed hip joint. The disease ranges in severity, with some people experiencing only a few broken bones in their lifetime, while others may have hundreds. In severe cases, it can cause life-threatening complications such as tearing of the major arteries and pulmonary valve insufficiency.
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 can cause the body to make collagen incorrectly or not make enough, leading to weak bones that are susceptible to fractures. The disease can be inherited from one or both parents, and anyone can be born with it. However, those with a family history of the disease are at a greater risk of inheriting it.
There are at least eight different types of OI, and the symptoms can vary greatly within and between types. Some babies with OI may not have any fractures until they start crawling or walking, while others may have bones that are not formed normally. The milder forms of OI can be difficult to diagnose in infants, and specialists in genetic conditions or bone disorders may be consulted. Diagnosis is typically based on medical imaging, including X-rays and DEXA scans, which can show weak or deformed bones and fractures.
The main goal of treatment for OI is to prevent deformities and fractures. Metal rods can be surgically inserted into the long bones to improve strength. Bisphosphonate medicines may also be used to prevent or correct symptoms. Additionally, the safety of anaesthesia is a concern for patients with OI, as complications are more likely to occur due to the risk of perioperative fracture.
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He had his first surgery at seven days old
Kaleb, a 16-year-old boy who has appeared in Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials, was born with brittle bone disease. He had his first surgery at just seven days old.
Kaleb's parents, Marie-Hélène and Alberto, sought specialised care for their son from Shriners Children's as soon as he was born. The nonprofit healthcare system has played a significant role in Kaleb's life, providing him with the support and resources he needs to manage his condition.
Having broken his bones over 200 times, Kaleb has received comprehensive care from Shriners Children's. They have provided him with special equipment, physical therapy, and customised leg support rods. Thanks to their help, Kaleb has gained mobility and can now ride a bike, climb, and race. He is also learning to stand and walk, overcoming his fear of fracturing.
Kaleb's first surgery, which took place when he was only seven days old, marked the beginning of his long journey with Shriners Children's. This early intervention was crucial in addressing his brittle bone disease and setting the foundation for his future treatment and progress. The surgery was likely recommended by medical professionals to stabilise or correct any issues present at birth, reduce potential complications, and improve Kaleb's overall quality of life.
The specific details of Kaleb's first surgery are not publicly available, but it is clear that it played a pivotal role in his healthcare journey. The surgery, combined with the ongoing support and treatment from Shriners Children's, has empowered Kaleb to lead a more active and fulfilling life.
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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, or brittle bone disease. This condition causes bones to break easily, resulting in numerous fractures for Caleb throughout his life. Despite these challenges, he has not let it hold him back and is now stronger than ever, learning to stand and walk on his own.
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder that affects the body's production of collagen, a protein that plays a crucial role in bone strength. Individuals with OI have bones that break easily, often from minor impacts that would not typically cause fractures in people without the disorder. In severe cases, such as Caleb's, bones can break spontaneously without any apparent cause.
Caleb's journey with osteogenesis imperfecta began at birth, and throughout his life, he has endured numerous fractures and medical challenges. Breaking bones over 200 times is an extraordinary number and reflects the severe nature of his condition. Each fracture would have required a healing process, often involving immobilization and pain management. With such a high number of breaks, Caleb has likely experienced extended periods of reduced mobility and the need for specialized care.
The frequent bone fractures have significantly impacted Caleb's life, affecting his mobility, independence, and overall well-being. Breaking bones over 200 times means Caleb has faced immense physical pain and likely experienced a range of emotions, including frustration and disappointment, as his body encountered limitations most people never have to consider. The repeated fractures may have also resulted in psychological challenges, requiring emotional support and resilience to cope with the ongoing nature of his condition.
Despite the challenges, Caleb has shown remarkable resilience and determination. He has not allowed his condition to define or limit him. With each fracture, he has persevered through the healing process and continued to strive for progress. Today, Caleb is achieving milestones that many once thought were impossible for him. By learning to stand and walk, he is defying the odds and showcasing his incredible strength and determination.
Caleb's story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance. It also highlights the importance of specialized medical care and support systems. Shriners Hospital has played a crucial role in Caleb's journey, providing him with life-changing medical care and the tools he needs to overcome his challenges. Caleb's experience inspires others facing similar orthopedic conditions, demonstrating that even in the face of immense adversity, strength and progress are possible.
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Shriners Hospitals for Children is a non-profit organisation
Shriners Hospitals for Children, commonly known as Shriners Children's, 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, an organisation formally known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, a Freemasonry-related group whose members are known as Shriners. The first Shriners Hospital opened in 1922, and since then, the organisation has focused on improving the care and quality of life for children worldwide.
The hospitals provide care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the patient's ability to pay. This care is usually provided until the patient turns 18, but it can be extended to age 21 in some cases. Shriners Children's has a tagline, "Love to the Rescue," that reflects its commitment to providing compassionate and specialised care to its patients.
In 1962, the Shriners of North America allocated $10 million to establish three hospitals specialising in treating and rehabilitating burned children. They built their first paediatric burn hospital on the campus of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Today, four hospitals in Boston, Galveston, Cincinnati, and Sacramento provide care for children with burns and treat various skin conditions. The Sacramento hospital is unique within the Shriners system as it focuses on burns, orthopaedics, and spinal cord injuries, as well as research.
Shriners Children's has been providing hope and healing to children for over a century, with a team of prestigious doctors and caregivers committed to excellence in paediatric care. Their nurses go beyond their professional duties, building relationships and providing warm-hearted, high-quality care. The organisation is also committed to conducting research to improve medical treatments and the quality of life for children, thereby increasing the worldwide body of medical and scientific knowledge.
Shriners Children's is a tax-exempt organisation under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code, and donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Donors' gifts enable the organisation to provide personalised, compassionate specialty care, helping patients to dream bigger.
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Frequently asked questions
Caleb from Shriners Hospital is 16 years old.
Caleb was born with brittle bone disease.
Shriners Hospital has provided Caleb with special equipment, physical therapy, and special rods to support his legs. They have helped him learn to stand and walk and also ride a bike, climb, and race.
Shriners Hospital has changed Caleb's life by providing him with life-changing medical care and support. He is no longer scared of fracturing his bones and can play with other kids.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a nonprofit healthcare system that provides specialized care for children like Caleb with complex medical needs. It relies on donations to provide this care.
