Little Caleb’s got his wheels

Little Caleb’s got his wheels

15 October 2014

LIKE most toddlers, little Caleb Keown could happily spend hours emptying his mum’s kitchen cupboards.

But unlike many mothers, Stella Keown is just as delighted as Caleb by the mess he creates.

For cupboard emptying is a brand new pastime for the 18 month-old Ballyhornan toddler, who was born with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus.

Unable to get about like other babies his age, Caleb could until recently only move around by dragging himself around on his tummy or hitching a lift on his mum or dad’s hip.

His new-found mobility is thanks to a small wheelchair he recently received from America following a determined fundraising campaign by his family.

The special chair, which is not available in the UK, is small enough for the little boy to easily manoeuvre and within hours of receiving the chair from America he was scooting about with a new-found independence.

His family are so delighted by the wheelchair that they are now hoping to continue to raise funds so another child like Caleb can receive a chair like his.

Stella is relishing Caleb’s new-found freedom. “It is brilliant to see his new independence,” she said.

“Once the chair arrived he was able to move around like other babies his age.

“Within hours he was emptying out the cupboards the way my other children would have done.

“I really love to see him doing that because it is a great achievement for him.”

To mark Spina Bifida Awareness week, which will be promoted by the charity SHINE (Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Information Networking Equality) later this week, Stella is hoping to encourage others to donate to Caleb’s Wheelie Good Cause.

Through fundraising, she is hoping to purchase a second chair for another child affected by Spina Bifida.

“When I had my 20 week scan and was told the baby had Spina Bifida, it was a huge shock,” she said.

“It was a shock that I do not think I will ever fully get over. I never knew much about Spina Bifida except that you are supposed to take folic acid to help prevent it, which I did.

“But Caleb is our miracle baby and is always smiling, that is his signature.

“To see the happiness this chair has given him is so amazing that we hope another child can have the same opportunity.”

To contribute to Caleb’s fundraising campaign please access details through facebook via Caleb’s Wheelie Good Cause.