Young couple battles tumor
Staff
By DAN WHITTLE, Courier Correspondent This young man's health issues began with a slight loss of hearing back in 2011. But, that initial hearing loss was triggered by not one, but two rare and aggressive brain tumors, which have exploded into a raw and real life-and-death crisis for 28-year-old Woodbury resident Caleb Milligan. Nine surgeries and three years later, Milligan is no longer able to work as a shipping manager at the Life's Fortune plant in Murfreesboro. "After multiple mis-diagnoses, starting with a reputed inner-ear infection, my husband has had nine surgeries to remove the tumors," shared 26-year-old Amber, Caleb's wife. "We realized we're in a real nightmare when doctors told us Caleb would die without immediate surgeries." How rare is Caleb's tumor? "Doctors advise my brain tumor happens to maybe one person out of 1.8 million people," Caleb accounted. "Making it more difficult to comprehend, my tumor is not cancer. It's a very aggressive tumor that wraps around nerves and the portion of my brain that primarily controls the left side of my body, including speech, sight, hearing, taste … to name a few hits the tumor has caused." Caleb cannot estimate the days he's been hospitalized at Vanderbilt, much less the multi-thousands of dollars in medical bills he and Amber have incurred. However, Caleb and Amber still exhibit a bright outlook in spite of their severe health prognosis. "We're thankful to live in Middle Tennessee, with our hometown being Woodbury!" Amber amplified. "The whole town is trying to help us." "And we couldn't be making it, without all the prayers here in Woodbury, Murfreesboro, Smyrna and Nashville … churches and praying folks all around the world, for that matter," added Caleb. Woodbury's highest elected official concurs. "In Woodbury, when one person hurts, we all hurt, as evidenced by the community-wide 'Caring for Caleb Benefit' scheduled for April 5 at the Cannon County Community Center," accounted Woodbury Harold Patrick. "Judging from the turnout of donated items and services that range from inner-room house painting to extended heat-and-air care, we're going to have a good turnout," Ashley predicted. "We also have haircuts and nail treatments donated for the auction set to start at 3 p.m., with the benefit to run from 12 noon-7 p.m. on April 5." Ashley has known Caleb since he was a sophomore back at Cannon County Central High School. "He's a very strong and courageous man, who has weathered having two brain tumors removed," added Ashley. "It seems like God gives some of the toughest assignments to those strong enough to fight and get through it. Caleb is one of those fighters. We're so proud of him. "I've also known Amber from high school," Ashley added. "Although young, they're trying to do the right things in life, including buying their own home and being responsible hard-working, God-fearing people." Upon meeting Caleb, one can't help but notice his dark eye-patch. "An entire community is rallying around me, in my fight for life," Caleb assessed with excitement showing in his right eye, since he has to cover his left eye to combat double vision. "Our Woodbury Methodist Church and pastor have been there for us too." "The tumors have caused my left eye to turn inward, resulting in double-vision," Caleb diagnosed. "Therefore, I wear this black patch over my eye to combat the double-vision." Despite multiple surgeries, long periods of hospital confinement and lingering severe health complications, Caleb appears "full of hope" leading up to April 5. "In our 'Caring For Caleb Benefit' that is free to the public, we have live music by bands 'The Busks' 'Hey Chuck' and 'The Gilley Brothers,'" confirmed event coordinator Ashley. "That's when our neighbors, plus total strangers, will open their hearts and billfolds to help Caleb and Amber." "A barbecue fund-raising ($9) meal will also be available," Ashley added. "Plus, we'll have a 'corn hole tournament,' and games for children." Persons needing more benefit information can call Ashley at 615-351-6422 or Amber at 615-801-0342.
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