A Recipient Story: Caleb

“It’s easy to want to highlight the positive stories, but unfortunately those outcomes are not always the case,” said Crystal Eide. In 2014, the Eide family’s world was shaken when their 5-year-old son Caleb was diagnosed with leukemia.

Despite his diagnosis, Caleb lived life to the fullest. “He took this diagnosis on headstrong and was never willing to give up. He was only 5 years old when it started and the things he went through, I don’t know if I could have even done it,” recalls Crystal. “The happiness he shared to all of us despite what he was going through was just amazing, his zest for life, he was just so beautiful. No matter what he was going through he seemed to always have a smile on his face.”

During Caleb’s treatment, he received several transfusions of both blood and platelets. “Those products helped him significantly; without blood donors, he would not have gotten those extra two-and-a-half years of life. These donors helped give us time together, which we spent as a family with a new perspective on life,” said Crystal. “Hopefully donors know we are so grateful for them and how big of an impact they had, even though Caleb is not here. It’s not the outcome we wanted, but we are so thankful for that extra time we got to spend together.”

In memory of Caleb Eide, the Caleb Eide Memorial Foundation was started. “It’s not until life puts you in a situation that you fully understand and appreciate what blood donation really means,” shared Crystal. “We are just 100% thankful for the people out there who selflessly give their time to help others in need.”