I'm Riding For

Caleb Vander Ven

Caleb was diagnosed with a brain tumor when be was 9. He had been sick for a year and they kept taking him to doctors. Finally, they took him to the right doctor, one who listened to all of the symptoms. He did blood work an then an MRI. They received a call saying that Caleb had a tumor on his optic nerve. St. Jude's Research Hospital took Caleb's case. When he was 10, they removed the tumor and his entire pituitary gland. Caleb has no hormonal function at all due to the removal. Caleb continues to get treatment from Dr. Paul Klimo in Memphis, TN and from Dr. Brianna Patterson at Aflac Cancer in the cancer survivor program. This is something that will be with him forever. Caleb currently suffers with Diabetes Insipidus. No growth hormone. No adrenal function. No thyroid function. No testosterone and stomach disease due to his illness. But, he is tough and continues to amaze everyone with his ability to look on the bright side of things.