LEHI -- Kaleb Heaps was a tenacious 9-year-old who enjoyed playing tackle football, riding dirt bikes and snowboarding. Now he's a tenacious 9-year-old who enjoys all those things in spite of a diagnosis five months ago of medullablastoma, a form of brain cancer.
Since then, this bright-eyed boy has endured surgery, 60 rounds of radiation and several rounds of chemotherapy. Described as loving, witty, courageous and charming, Kaleb seems to have an unbreakable spirit that has helped him keep up with the demands of his illness.
"Kaleb is the toughest kid I know," his dad, Brian Heaps, said. "He has the best attitude. I think that a lot of people would be pretty upset. He is a special boy. He has a big heart."
The treatment has caused ataxia and the left side of his body does not work correctly. Kaleb is unable to walk without a walker or other assistance. He has double vision and wears an eye patch to help correct the problem.
Kaleb has accepted these challenges in stride, dressing as a pirate last Halloween while at Primary Children's Medical Center.
"It is a good time to get an eye patch before you do Halloween," Kaleb said with a grin.
The Lehi community is teaming up with the Lehi Legacy Center to sponsor an auction Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Several items have been donated for the auction, including dirt bikes, toys, food, furniture, paintings, air conditioning units and gift cards.
All proceeds from the auction will help defray the expense of cancer treatment and other medical costs.
"We liked the idea of an auction because it gives everyone a chance to be involved," event organizer Gary Goodwin said. "Kaleb will see how many people are out there supporting him. He is a great kid."
The abundance of support from family and friends has helped keep a smile on Kaleb's face. He has been resilient as he faces daily physical, occupational and speech therapy problems. He also has been very caring.
Read the rest here:
Community raising funds to help 9-year-old boy with brain cancer