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Caleb Walker is a young man with dreams for his future.
Meanwhile, he battles brain cancer.
"I wouldn't wish away my cancer because of what it has taught me," said the 18-year-old Caleb who, despite his diagnosis, lives life with courage and a positive attitude.
To help Caleb's family pay for costs related to his medical treatment, a jewelry party fundraiser, with all of the proceeds benefiting the Walkers, will be held Saturday, June 27. The family will decide whether the money goes toward medical expenses or travel costs incurred during trips to Philadelphia for treatment, according to Megan Scheffey, host of the party.
Scheffey attends Lancaster County Bible Church with the Walkers. Caleb's dad, Keith Walker, is LCBC director of men's and singles ministries.
After hearing about Caleb's diagnosis, Scheffey wanted to help. She is an independent representative of Silpada jewelry and decided to use that means to raise money.
Scheffey believes she was meant to sell jewelry for a purpose like this.
"The surrealness of [dealing with cancer] makes you see the blessings of the kindness and generosity of others," said Lynn Walker, Caleb's mother. She said support has come from their church, neighbors, the Lampeter-Strasburg School District, and even strangers.
A 2009 L-S graduate, Walker lives with his parents in Lampeter. He has three brothers: Josh, 27; Joel, 24; and Seth, 15.
Diagnosed in April with clear cell anaplastic ependymoma cancer, he has had two surgeries to remove the large tumor.
Every day he travels to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; he is halfway through radiation treatments. "He has a bulldog mentality," Lynn said.
The biggest side effect of his treatments is fatigue. He still tries to live life to the fullest, working out five days a week, playing golf and running.
Caleb wants to raise money for children with cancer by running in triathlons. He likes working with children, and would like to study at Lancaster Bible College to become a youth pastor.
Caleb said his "relationship with the Lord grew a lot" since being diagnosed with cancer. "God did, and is doing, great things in my life," he said.
Said his mother, "Your story becomes very small" when you see how many others are suffering.
"Our strength comes from our faith," she said. "This makes you live in the moment, count your blessings and see the needs of others.
"I know God is doing something in his life," Lynn added. "He's going with life's detours. That's just what you have to do."
The fundraiserThe jewelry benefit will be held 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, June 27, in the Ben Franklin Room at Willow Valley Resort & Conference Center, 2416 Willow Street Pike. No cash and carry; orders only. Visit
http://scheffey.com/caleb for more information.
Donations can also be made to the Caleb Walker benefit account at any Fulton Bank branch.
Mandy Stoltzfus is a Sunday News staff writer. E-mail her at mstoltzfus@lnpnews.com.
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