Ethan Rhodes
Kaleb, who has appeared in commercials for Shriners Hospitals for Children, is 16 years old as of October 2024. He was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, and has broken his bones over 200 times. He has undergone 11 surgeries and received specialised care and support from Shriners Hospitals, which has helped him learn to stand and walk. Kaleb's inspiring story has touched millions around the world, and he continues to share his journey and raise awareness about the impact of compassionate medical care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Kaleb |
| Age | 16 years |
| Disease | Brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta) |
| Number of surgeries | 11 |
| Number of broken bones | Over 200 |
| Parents | Marie-Hélène and Alberto |
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What You'll Learn
Kaleb is 16 years old
Kaleb's first encounter with Shriners Hospital occurred just seven days after his birth, when he had his first surgery. The nonprofit healthcare system has played a pivotal role in Kaleb's life ever since. They have provided him with specialised equipment, physical therapy, and custom-made rods to support his legs. Thanks to their support, Kaleb can now ride a bike, climb, and race.
Kaleb's inspiring story has been featured in Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials, shedding light on his courage and determination. He has shared his journey with millions worldwide, serving as a testament to his resilience. Kaleb's condition hasn't held him back; instead, it has fuelled his strength and resolve.
Shriners Hospitals for Children relies on the generosity of donors to provide life-changing medical care to children like Kaleb. Through donations, they have helped over one million children lead more fulfilling lives, regardless of their families' financial situation. The hospital's compassionate and innovative care extends not only to the children but also to their families, fostering long-term, caring relationships.
As Kaleb embarks on his 16th year, he stands as a testament to the transformative power of specialised healthcare. With the support of Shriners Hospitals for Children, he has defied the odds and continues to inspire others facing similar challenges. His story is a reminder that age is just a number, and determination knows no bounds.
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He has brittle bone disease
Kaleb, who stars in the Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials, is 16 years old. He has osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. This is a genetic disorder that causes bones to be weak and break easily. The disease ranges in severity, with some people experiencing only a few fractures in their lifetime, while others may have hundreds, including some that occur before birth. The condition can also cause other symptoms, such as malformed or bowing of long bones, small stature, skin that bruises easily, loose joints, weak muscles, and breathing problems.
Osteogenesis imperfecta (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 not making enough collagen or the collagen not working properly, resulting in weak bones that are susceptible to fracture. In some rarer types of OI, the disease does not affect the structure of collagen but instead affects the function of bone-forming cells.
The safety of anesthesia is a particular concern for patients with OI, as anesthetic complications are 5.6 times more likely to occur in these patients. For example, fractures can be sustained due to patient transfer and airway access techniques that would normally be routine. As a result, blood pressure monitoring protocols are often modified for patients with OI, and the least deformed limb is chosen to receive the cuff.
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, and bisphosphonate medicines may also be used. While there is no way to prevent OI, genetic counselling can help individuals understand their risk of inheriting or passing on the disease.
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He has broken his bones over 200 times
Kaleb Torres, a patient ambassador for Shriners Hospitals for Children, has become a well-known figure, with many seeing him in the Shriners commercials. Kaleb has osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, and has broken his bones over 200 times.
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder that results in bones that break easily. It is caused by a defect in the gene that is responsible for producing type I collagen, which is crucial for maintaining bone strength. This condition affects approximately 1 in 10,000 to 20,000 people worldwide.
Kaleb has undergone 11 surgeries and has faced challenges that most of us cannot even imagine. Despite all of this, he has not let his condition stop him. At the time of writing, he is stronger than ever and is learning to stand and walk on his own.
Breaking bones over 200 times is an unimaginable experience for anyone. The pain, the recovery, and the impact on one's mental health can be immense. Each fracture requires a healing process that can vary in duration depending on the severity. During this time, individuals may experience limited mobility and require assistance with daily tasks. The psychological impact can also be significant, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Kaleb's resilience and courage in the face of his medical condition are inspiring. Despite breaking his bones numerous times, he has remained determined to overcome his challenges. His story serves as a reminder of the strength and perseverance that individuals can possess, even in the face of immense adversity.
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He had his first surgery at seven days old
Kaleb, the boy from the Shriners Hospital commercials, was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. This condition has caused him to break his bones over 200 times. Remarkably, Kaleb underwent his first surgery at just seven days old.
Facing such a significant medical challenge so early in life must have been an incredibly difficult experience for both Kaleb and his parents, Marie-Hélène and Alberto. The support of Shriners Children's Hospital was instrumental in helping them through this challenging time. The hospital provided Kaleb with specialised care, equipment, and physical therapy, playing a pivotal role in his early treatment and ongoing management of his condition.
Shriners Children's Hospital's intervention and support from the very beginning of Kaleb's life is heartwarming. Their swift action and expertise gave Kaleb and his parents hope and a reason to stay strong. The hospital's compassionate care and commitment to improving patients' quality of life are evident in Kaleb's story.
Kaleb's first surgery, facilitated by Shriners Children's, set him on a path to a brighter future. The hospital's ongoing support and specialised care have empowered Kaleb to achieve milestones that might have once seemed out of reach. Thanks to their help, Kaleb has learned to ride a bike, climb, and race. He is also making remarkable progress in learning to stand and walk independently.
Kaleb's bravery and determination in the face of adversity are inspiring. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, he has not let it hold him back. With the help of Shriners Children's Hospital, he is defying the odds and living a life filled with new possibilities.
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Shriners provided Kaleb with special equipment
Kaleb Torres, born with osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bone disease, has been a patient at Shriners Hospitals since his first surgery at just seven days old. Shriners Hospitals for Children patient ambassador Kaleb has become a recognisable face to many.
Kaleb has broken his bones over 200 times and has had 11 surgeries. Shriners Children's has been there to help at every turn, providing him with special equipment and coaching him through physical therapy. They developed special rods to support his legs, and now Kaleb can ride a bike, climb, and race. He is even learning to stand and walk on his own.
Kaleb's parents, Marie-Hélène and Alberto, sought specialised care from Shriners Children's as soon as their son was born. They knew that their baby had osteogenesis imperfecta, and they were scared. Shriners Children's has changed their lives, and they know that their son can only live a happy life full of positivity and adventure with the generous support of donors.
The impact of Shriners' support is evident in Kaleb's life today. With their help, he has been able to overcome challenges and achieve milestones that might have once seemed impossible. Through the generosity of donors, Shriners has been able to help more than 1.5 million children reach their potential and lead more fulfilling lives, regardless of their families' financial situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Kaleb is 16 years old.
Kaleb was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease.
Kaleb has broken his bones over 200 times.
Shriners Hospital has provided Kaleb with special equipment, physical therapy, and specially designed rods to support his legs. With their help, Kaleb can now ride a bike, climb, and race, and he's learning to stand and walk.
