Caleb Tyler Blankenship, 23, of Rock View, WV, passed away at CAMC General, in Charleston, WV due to tragic accident. He was born June 30, 2000 in Charleston, WV the son of Randy Lee and Paula Jean Compton Blankenship of Rock View, WV. Caleb practiced Karaite Judaism, and earned his associates degree in Early Childhood Education. He was interested in teaching music and history, but decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and work in wastewater treatment. He lived his life always worrying about others instead of himself.
Caleb had chosen on his drivers license to be an organ donor. I won’t lie, I was not sure how I felt about it, however, I wanted to honor his wishes, and I did allow them to proceed with the organ donation process. It is what he wanted. He was always looking out for others throughout his life. His heart was donated to a 14 year old little boy. Can you imagine the joy in those parents to in their last moments with little hope get this call that they have found a heart. A perfect match. Praise God for that. They were also able to find homes for his other organs such as his kidneys and liver plus his all tissues, veins and arteries. They told us enough to save 50 people. They said being able to save and use everything is a rare situation of maybe 3 percent.
Caleb was born a micro-preemie that weighed one pound exactly, and was 12 inches long when he was born. I had him when I was 24 weeks pregnant. He remained on life support for close to four months in the NICU in CAMC Women’s and Children’s Hospital. My one pound miracle baby that had 20% chance of being born alive, ended up being someone that was able to save the lives of up to 58 people that needed his gifts. I always knew he had a purpose. He was special, he always showed empathy for others. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to help others if he could. He further proved that by truly giving his heart as he had to leave this world.
He was the best 23 years if my life so I’m thankful for that. I don’t know why this had to happen, but for some reason God was ready to call him home. I feel times are drawing near. In the blink of an eye we will look around and his chosen ones will be gone. My baby was one if them I have no doubt. He was of Jewish faith.
My baby was a rare soul he loved and was good to everyone. Though he at times he was picked on and bullied, he was the one to stand up for others that were being picked on or made fun of. Like me, my son was drawn to people of all types especially those that had special needs or mental health issues. Please remember my baby fondly. I pray if you knew him that he touched your life in some way.
Hold your baby’s tight. Do what you have to and keep them close. Trust me when I say no parent should ever have to go through this. I have cried every day since he has been gone and it has been almost three years. I’m still processing and holding on to the fact that my baby is saving others and that even though he is gone, his gifts, his heart remains.
As someone that had really never thought about organ donation, myself, I now am also an organ donor, as is my husband and many family members. Caleb believed firmly in organ donation, and I now encourage that same thing. The blink of an eye. I’m here to tell you. That’s all it takes. I know it has been almost three years, but please still pray for us and always remember my baby, Caleb Tyler Blankenship F23.
