For 13-year-old Caelen, life is a journey filled with challenges, discoveries and unexpected turns. Witty, cheerful and friendly, Caelen is currently pursuing his mainstream secondary education and enjoys spending his free time collecting Pokémon cards and gaming.
Caelen was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at just 10 months old. SMA is a progressive neuromuscular condition that affects the nerves responsible for controlling respiration and mobility. It can impact a person’s ability to sit, stand, walk, breathe and swallow, while muscle weakness can also lead to complications such as scoliosis and hip displacement.
Caelen’s family first came to know about Club Rainbow (Singapore) through the media. In 2016, they joined Club Rainbow in their search for therapy intervention and support. Over the years, Caelen and his family have also enjoyed the various events and activities organised for Club Rainbow’s children during the school holidays.
One of the biggest challenges Caelen has faced recently was undergoing spine surgery to correct severe scoliosis. Recovery has been difficult, even after three and a half months, and he continues to experience pain around his hips. Yet, Caelen has returned to school and resumed his day-to-day activities.
Through the physical challenges he faces at home and in school, Caelen continues to approach life with positivity and grit. His ability to keep moving forward, even when things get difficult, is something his family is especially proud of.
For Caelen, his dream is simple: to “be the best that he can be.” And his outlook on life reflects the spirit behind that dream. His family sees life as a game — a journey filled with plot twists, detours and side quests that can help us learn, grow and prepare for whatever comes next.
Their hope for Caelen is that he will continue to live bravely, cherish the small moments and, above all, be happy.
As we commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, Caelen’s story reminds us that every journey looks different. With the right support, encouragement and opportunities, persons with disabilities can continue to pursue their goals, participate meaningfully in their communities and discover their own paths forward.
And Caelen’s message to others is one worth remembering: “Keep working hard and don’t give up!”
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) is observed every year on 3 December – This United Nations-recognised day aims to promote understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities, raise awareness of disability issues, and mobilise support for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life.
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About Club Rainbow (Singapore)
Established in 1992, Club Rainbow (Singapore) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children with chronic illnesses, many of whom have disabilities and special needs, and their families. Anchored in our commitment to empowering individuals to lead dignified lives and become active contributors to society, Club Rainbow delivers more than 30 critical programmes, services, and assistance schemes to support our children and their family members.
Website: https://www.clubrainbow.org/
Contact number: 6377 1789
Email: contact@clubrainbow.org
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