How Care for Kaleb Turned Fear Into Hope

When Marie-Hélène was 33 weeks pregnant, she and her husband, Alberto, learned that their baby had osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease.

Their immediate reaction was fear. “We were scared. Very, very scared.”

The couple turned to Shriners Children’s for specialized care as soon as their baby was born, and Kaleb had his first surgery at 7 days old. From that moment, Marie-Hélène and Alberto could tell that the nonprofit healthcare system would play a special role in Kaleb’s life.

A donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children means I can see my son laugh; means I can see my son play with other kids. It gives us hope. He’s not scared of fracturing anymore.
Marie-Hélène, Kaleb's mother

Specialty Care a Family Can Count On

Kaleb has broken his bones over 200 times. And at every turn, Shriners Children’s has been there to help. They’ve provided him with special equipment, coached him through physical therapy and developed special rods to support his legs. Now, Kaleb can ride a bike, climb and race. He’s even learning to stand and walk.

Personalized specialty care has changed the course of Kaleb’s life. And Shriners Children’s has changed his parents’ lives too. Long-term, caring relationships with doctors, nurses, hospital staff and other patient parents have given them the support they need to stay strong for Kaleb on the journey forward.

Marie-Hélène and Alberto’s wish is for their son to live a happy life full of positivity and adventure. And they know that can only happen with the generous support of donors like you.

Kaleb on a tricycle.

Kaleb goes for a ride on his tricycle.

Next Steps

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