
In February 2021, rumours circulated on social media that the young spokesperson for Shriners Hospitals, Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres, had died. Kaleb, who has osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, had become well-known for appearing in fundraising ads for the hospital. However, these rumours were false, and Shriners Hospitals confirmed that Kaleb was alive and well. The rumours were a result of confusion with another child with the same name who had died.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres |
| Other Names | Kaleb Torres, Kaleb G. Holder |
| Status | Alive and well |
| Disease | Osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease |
| Number of Surgeries | 11 |
| Number of Times Bones Have Been Broken | Over 200 |
| Role | Spokesperson, patient ambassador, fundraiser |
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What You'll Learn

Caleb-Wolf De Melo Torres is alive and well
Due to his condition, Caleb has become a recognisable face and well-known figure on the internet for participating in awareness campaigns and fundraising advertisements for the hospital. The hospital released a statement dispelling the rumours of his death, stating:
> "Thank you so much for your concern for Kaleb. We are happy to report that Kaleb is doing very well. The story you may have heard or read involves another child with the same name and spelling and is not associated with Shriners Hospitals for Children. Online, our well-known Kaleb’s story became confused with the other child."
In a video posted to Shriners' Twitter account on February 27, Caleb dances and wishes Shriners Hospitals Chairman of the Board Jim Smith a happy birthday. This video further confirms that Caleb is, indeed, alive and well.
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Torres has osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease
Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres, the young spokesperson for Shriners Hospitals, has osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. Due to this condition, Torres has broken his bones over 200 times and has had to undergo at least 11 surgeries. Despite these challenges, Torres has not let his condition stop him from achieving his goals. In fact, he has become a well-known figure through his participation in fundraising ads and awareness campaigns for the hospital.
Torres has been a patient at Shriners Hospitals since he was born and has had to undergo numerous surgeries and treatments. In late February 2021, rumours began circulating on social media that Torres had passed away. These rumours were quickly dispelled by the hospital, which confirmed that Torres was alive and doing well. The rumours were a result of confusion with another child who shared the same name but was not associated with Shriners Hospitals.
Torres has appeared in Shriners' advertisements and donor appeals throughout his childhood, and his story has touched the hearts of many people. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Torres remains strong and determined. He has learned to stand and walk on his own, and his positive attitude and resilience have inspired others facing similar orthopedic conditions.
Torres's journey with osteogenesis imperfecta began at birth, when he had his first surgery. As a patient at Shriners Hospitals, he has received life-changing medical care and support that has helped him manage his condition. The hospital provides innovative and compassionate care, improving the quality of life for children like Torres and their families. Their dedication to helping patients overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives is a testament to their mission.
Torres's experience with brittle bone disease has not only strengthened him but also inspired others. Through his work with Shriners Hospitals, he has raised awareness and funds, helping the hospital continue its life-changing work. Torres's courage and determination to overcome his physical challenges serve as a testament to his strength and the impact of the hospital's care.
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He has broken his bones over 200 times
In 2021, rumours circulated on social media that the young spokesperson for Shriners Hospitals, Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres, had died. However, these rumours were false. The hospital confirmed that Kaleb, who has osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, is alive and well.
Kaleb has broken his bones over 200 times and has undergone 11 surgeries. He had his first surgery as a newborn and has been a Shriners patient ever since. Despite these challenges, he is stronger than ever and is learning to stand and walk on his own.
Kaleb has become a recognisable face through his participation in awareness campaigns and
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He has undergone 11 surgeries
In 2021, rumours circulated on social media that the young spokesperson for Shriners Hospitals, Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres, had passed away. However, these rumours were false, and the hospital confirmed that Kaleb was alive and well.
Kaleb has osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. He has broken his bones over 200 times and has had to undergo 11 surgeries. Despite these challenges, he has not let his condition hold him back. In fact, he is stronger than ever and is learning to walk and stand on his own.
Kaleb's first surgery was when he was a newborn, and he has been a Shriners patient ever since. Shriners Hospitals for Children is a system of 22 children's hospitals supported by the Masonic Shriners International fraternity. The hospitals provide life-changing medical care to children with a range of conditions, including orthopedic issues, severe burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate.
Kaleb has become a well-known face of Shriners Hospitals, appearing in their advertisements and fundraising campaigns throughout his childhood. He has helped raise awareness and funds for the hospitals, and his story has inspired many. Despite his health challenges, Kaleb continues to be a brave and resilient ambassador for Shriners, and his progress is a testament to the impact of the hospitals' compassionate and innovative care.
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Torres is learning to walk and stand on his own
In 2021, rumours circulated on social media that the young spokesperson and patient ambassador for Shriners Hospitals, Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres, had passed away. Torres, who has osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bone disease, had become a recognisable face for his participation in awareness campaigns and fundraising advertisements for the hospital.
These rumours were false, as confirmed by the hospital and a video posted to Shriners' Twitter account, which showed a healthy Torres dancing and wishing Shriners Hospitals Chairman of the Board Jim Smith a happy birthday. The hospital also stated that Torres was doing very well and was learning to walk and stand on his own.
Torres has broken his bones over 200 times and has undergone 11 surgeries. Despite these challenges, he has persevered and is now stronger than ever. He is learning to stand and walk independently, a significant milestone in his journey. Torres' determination and strength serve as a testament to his resilience and the impact of the support and medical care provided by Shriners Hospitals.
Torres' journey has inspired many, and his story continues to raise awareness and funds for Shriners Hospitals, helping to improve the lives of children facing various medical conditions. His progress is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of compassionate medical care. Through the generosity of donors and the dedication of the Shriners team, Torres and many other children like him are given the chance to lead more fulfilling and independent lives.
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Frequently asked questions
No, this is a case of mistaken identity. Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres, the patient ambassador for Shriners Hospitals for Children, is alive and well.
Caleb was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease. He has broken his bones over 200 times and has had 11 surgeries. He is currently learning to walk and stand on his own.
Caleb has appeared in Shriners' advertisements and appeals to donors throughout his childhood. He has become a recognizable face and is well-known for participating in awareness campaigns and fundraising advertisements for the hospital.












