Caleb & Company: February 2011

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Adaptive Skiing at Big Bear

Last week we had the wonderful opportunity to go skiing. Big Bear has an adaptive ski program and we were able to go up with a group of people. What an amazing opportunity!!! I can now honestly say that I skied a black diamond with my son! When I took him I thought he would be on the bunny slopes the entire day, but it turned out it was the real deal. He had two volunteers with him that took him on the ski lift and would then take him down the real mountain. The second half of the day I got ahold of some skis and took some runs with them. It was AWESOME!!!

Caleb ready for the slopes (luckily we didn't have to use the giant jacket)

Getting excited to see the snow for the first time.

Mom and Caleb ready for the snow

Caleb touching snow for the first time

Here's some video of him coming down the slopes

That's Caleb in the middle of the ski lift.

So excited to ski with Caleb!

Thumb's up for another run

The view from the top of the mountain. BEAUTIFUL!

Here he is in action.

Great day!

The aftermath.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

MDA Boot Camp

Last week Caleb got to go to do his first duty as the official San Diego MDA Goodwill Ambassador at the CA Firefighter Boot Camp. This is where firefighters learn more about why and how to "Fill the Boot" for the MDA. Caleb was obviously there to help out with the "why" portion - hopefully none of them listened to his version of "how" because it certainly would entail using a lightsaber and the force to get people's money in the boot. It was a great day with a ton of amazing people!

Ready to schmooze.

Posing with the National Goodwill Ambassador, Abbey Umali.

Racing!

Caleb decided he wanted to say a few words up on stage.

He said, "Hello everybody. Well, that's all I wanted to say."

Posing with some recipients of one of the awards given out.

Finally, time for a lightsaber duel with Abbey

Abbey's mom, Wendy, wanted in on some of the action, too.

One more feel of Abbey's hair before it's time to say goodbye.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

How Many Muscles Does it Take for Caleb to Walk?

I know it's been a looooong time since I've posted much on the blog, but I thought you would want to see Caleb's latest trick - WALKING!!! It's just another way our amazing boy has reminded us that anything is possible.

There is music on the video, so you may want to pause the music on the right to hear it better.

The latest "Calebism"

12/17/11

Last weekend we were at the MDA Holiday party. He opened up the gift they gave him and it was a set of toy cars. He exclaimed, "Hot Wheels! They're so awesome 'cuz their wheels are so HOT!!!"

I can't believe I forgot to put this one on here!!! A couple of months ago we ended up in the ER with Caleb - he had the flu and just had a rough night. While we were there he saw a nurse pass by in the hallway. He stopped mid-sentence and said, "Whoa. She is so beau-tee-ful. I think I want to add her to my collection."

Don't forget to check out Calebisms Archived at the bottom of the page.

What is Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy?

In June of 2007 Caleb was diagnosed with Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (UCMD). This is an extremely rare form of Muscular Dystrophy - to date there are only a few hundred documented cases worldwide. It is considered a slowly progressive and life-limiting form of MD.

This does not mean that hope is lost. There is new research being done for this disease, as well as many other neuromuscular disorders. In the last 4 years, Caleb's Crew has raised over $65,000 for the MDA and designated all funds to go towards research for UCMD.

Please click on the links below to find out more detailed information regarding UCMD, as well as to support the MDA and Cure CMD, two wonderful organizations.

Thank you,

Amy (aka Mommy)