Caleb, 18, lives with his mom, dad, and sister in the north suburbs of Chicago. Known for his kind, caring, and determined spirit, Caleb’s resilience shines through every challenge he’s faced. Born with congenital heart disease, Caleb has undergone many surgeries and procedures. Although his condition has remained stable since his last surgery at age three, he continues to live with a unique set of limitations.

“He has restrictions in what he’s able to do physically,” his mom, Stephanie, explained. As Caleb grew older, it became harder to keep up with his peers, especially as his friends joined various sports teams. Caleb often had to step back, and even small social interactions come with risk, leading his mom to frequently say no to activities.

Despite these challenges, Caleb found ways to thrive. He played low-impact sports, like baseball and volleyball, and joined the school marching band. He first heard about Make-A-Wish at Heart Camp, where fellow campers shared stories about their wishes. When his cardiologist later mentioned that he might be eligible, Caleb lit up with excitement.

With his growing passion for mechanical engineering and race cars, Caleb knew exactly what he wanted to do for his wish: to get an inside look at the world of NASCAR. He wished to tour the team garages and facilities at North Carolina. Make-A-Wish Illinois made that dream come true, sending Caleb and his family to the Coca-Cola 600, hosted by Joe Gibbs racing, his favorite team. In Charlotte, North Carolina, Caleb experienced an unforgettable, behind-the-scenes adventure.

“There was not one time, this whole weekend, that Caleb did not have a huge smile on his face,” Stephanie said. He toured the shop, sat in on team meetings, and met key members of the crew, from drivers to mechanics. On race day, Caleb watched the action unfold from the team’s pit box.

“After so many years of having to hold him back, this was a chance for him to be included, to participate in everything,” Stephanie shared. “It was the first time I didn’t have to say no.”

The experience deepened Caleb’s love for mechanics and racing, fueling his motivation to pursue his dreams. Now a college student studying engineering, Caleb carries the memories of his wish with him, an enduring source of inspiration or the road ahead.