Meet Caelen – A True Heart Warrior

Caelen has been a proud Buddy since February 2015. Born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), he spent most of his first year in the hospital, bravely enduring three open-heart surgeries, 15 cardiac catheterizations, oxygen support, and up to 22 different medications — all before receiving his life-saving heart transplant at UF Shands in 2022.

In addition to his heart condition, Caelen lives with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, which he manages with monthly infusions and ongoing physical and occupational therapies. He also navigates challenges like Valgus knee deformity, developmental delays, and learning disabilities caused by chronic hypoxemia — a lack of oxygen to the brain during early development.

Despite all of this, Caelen continues to thrive. Since his transplant, he has made remarkable progress. He now visits the cardiologist every three months for regular echoes and EKGs and receives monthly labs and IVIG infusions to support his immune system.

With his new “hero heart,” Caelen’s vibrant, larger-than-life personality shines brighter than ever. He’s a fighter, a survivor, and an inspiration to everyone around him.