Journey of 1000 Miles

By Dana Schroeder

Caleb’s dad is an Ironman-a participant in a grueling race consisting of a 2.4-mile open-water swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a full 26.2-mile marathon, all of which must be completed consecutively and within about 16 hours. 

At 11 years old, Caleb declared that he wanted to be an Iron Man too!

But Caleb faced more challenges than most. Born a hydrocephalic, the buildup of cerebral fluid in the left side of his brain affected the right side of his body. In his short life, he’d undergone three head shunt surgeries, a head-shaping helmet, surgery on his foot and Achilles tendon, a full-leg cast, a half-leg cast, three sets of leg braces, and many long hours of physical therapy with the best therapist that was recommended to us by a friend who had used somewhere like Luna (see here for info) to help with her own rehabilitation. Additionally, one of his legs was longer than the other. His right foot was severely turned out; he had great difficulty with balance and often fell down.

But Caleb was also more extraordinary than most. His right hand could only minimally assist him. However, he still managed to accomplish most tasks with one hand: buttoning buttons, playing the piano (treble and bass clef), shooting baskets, and swimming across a 12-foot deep pool. He was also very determined. 

In December 2017, Caleb announced, “Next year, I want to REALLY accomplish something! I want to run 1000 miles!” His parents cautioned him that this was a big goal for a kid who often fell just running around the corner. But his mind was made up. Wanting to support him, his family agreed to help him run however far he wanted to go. They helped him make a plan to run an average of 3.3 miles a day, six days a week. 

At first the runs were slow. His mom would speed walk beside him and encourage him to keep up. Other times, the family would play at the park while he did laps on his own. He was dedicated to his daily runs; they were his law. Each Saturday was a long run and each month he wanted to run a goal mile that exceeded the previous month’s goal mile. 

Over time as he ran, his body began to change. Six months along, his gait had steadied, his right foot began to face forward, his balance improved, his confidence increased, and he no longer fell. Ever! 

By July, he ran his fist half marathon in Mt. Hood. Then he ran two others (including one on the treadmill!). He ran each of these in just over two hours. 

In December 2018, the month Caleb turned 12, his family, friends, neighbors, and classmates gathered to cheer him on as he completed his 1000^th mile at the local high school track-a feat made possible by his relentless focus on ability, rather than limitation. 

Visit https://showcompassion.org/get-involved to join the Compassion Club in honoring and highlighting exceptional youth!