Caleb's Story

Caleb
Age 4
Ebstein’s Anomaly, Heart Defect

Children’s Hospital Boston

During what should have been a typical ultrasound, Brian and Amanda were told that their unborn son Caleb was facing a rare and serious heart defect and would most likely die of congestive heart failure in the womb.

Despite the odds, Caleb was born and rushed to Children’s Hospital Boston. At just one week of age, Caleb underwent open-heart surgery. Caleb was never well enough to leave the hospital before needing a second open-heart surgery. More than three months passed before Caleb was able to go home.

“The nurses gave my boy exceptional care, but still remembered my daughter’s name and what was going on with her,” said Amanda. “It’s clear to us, if you have a critically ill child, you take him to Children’s Hospital Boston.”

If it weren’t for the scar down his chest, you would never know what 4-year-old Caleb has endured. His magnetic personality lights up any room and he loves to entertain.

About Walmart and Sam’s Club

Wal-Mart has supported Children’s Miracle Network since 1987. Since then, Children’s Miracle Network and Wal-Mart have worked tirelessly together to help children by raising money for children’s hospitals. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised more than $500 million for children’s hospitals during the 23 year relationship. This is the second year Walmart and Sam’s Club have sponsored the Champions program.

Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club

Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club is a Children's Miracle Network program that brings attention to the important work being done at children’s hospitals by honoring remarkable children who have faced severe medical challenges.

The Champions program designates a champion child in every state who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness. The champions represent the nearly 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals every year. The 2010 champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, heart transplants and traumas, as well as life-threatening staph infections.

As part of Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club, the champions travel for a week in June to Washington, D.C., where champions traditionally meet with their state senators on Capitol Hill, and the President of the United States during a visit to the White House. The family then travels to Orlando, Fla., for a second week in November. There, champions meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsor, hospital and media partners who all convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.