Boy, 13, Hospitalized with Brain-eating Amoeba

A teenager in Florida is battling a rare illness after doctors say a brain-eating amoeba swam up the 13-year-old’s nose and infected his brain.

Around 97% of patients never recover from the brain-eating amoeba, but Caleb Ziegelbauer’s friends and family said they believe he will pull through.

Over 15 loved ones traveled from across the state and across the country to hold up signs outside the boy’s Florida hospital room. They even taped his baseball jersey number to the glass window.

On July 1, Caleb went swimming with his family at the Port Charlotte Beach Park. His aunt, Katie Chiet, said Caleb got a fever five days later, just before the family was heading out on a 19-day road trip.

“On Saturday he started to become disoriented and hallucinating, and they had to bring him here,” Chiet said.

The Port Charlotte teen has been at Golisano Children’s Hospital ever since.

“We try not to look at the numbers too much because there are miracles that happen every day,” said Lesley Cornelisen, Caleb’s aunt. “And I think we’re going to see another one that happens here.”

“It’s just sad that they’re going through this, but happy that we can get together to support,” said Marla Kaluzavich, a family friend.

Family and friends all wore yellow, Caleb’s favorite color, as they held up signs. He may not be able to see the display, but they’re hoping he can feel the support.

“Wake up Buddy, we love you,” Chiet said. “We’re all here for you.”