Fifteen-year-old Caiden Baxter, of Niles has been described by family and friends as an uncommonly gifted individual. As early as eighth grade, he was taking college level courses and was currently enrolled in the Math and Science Center at Andrew’s University and Niles New Tech. Additionally, Caiden has always had a gift for being able to help the lives of others. When a local boy was diagnosed with cancer, he helped the family create a logo for T-shirts to raise funds, and this is just one of many causes Baxter has been reported to have supported.
Now the generosity that the teenager showed to others is being returned to his family.
On Oct. 14, Caiden went ATV riding with a friend on some open space property in Edwardsburg. Caiden strapped on a helmet and was riding along when an unexpected drop in the riding path caught him by surprise. Caiden fell and the ATV landed on top of him, breaking his back in two places. Caiden was taken to the intensive care unit in Indianapolis.
Since that day, Caiden has made incredible strides in his recovery and his optimism and giving spirit have never waned. His mother, Lori Baxter, said he is starting to regain some mobility and some feeling down to his ankles.
To help the family, long-time friend to Baxter, Heather McGraw, has set up a GoFundMe account called “Caring for Caiden.” The site has raised more than $8,000. The money has helped support the family during a difficult financial time and allowed them to commute to see their child.
“We have had a lot of support from the Go Fund Me to the T-shirt sales,” Baxter said. “Which has allowed us to be with Caiden and make sure that he has the optimum care that he needs and balance life with the other two [children].”
Since the accident, Baxter said she has not been able to work as much at her photography studio, Lori Diane Photography and her husband is currently out of work. And if the family wants Caiden to come home, they have to make their house handicapped accessible. The donations will help to fund these changes.
Additionally, Baxter said that it was clear that her son would need to be transferred from Indianapolis, after she said she felt he was not receiving the right care. She said that a nurse tried to move her son, when moving him could cause further injury. She also said he was injured while taking a shower at the hospital. The funds have allowed her family to be able to move her son to a location where she said he is more comfortable.
“This money has allowed us to make those decisions,” Baxter said.
Caiden is now at a hospital in Grand Rapids where he continues to make progress. And despite his own injuries, he has stilled showed his penchant for wanting to give back. For example, when Baxter told Caiden about a family at the hospital that was struggling to be able to pay for parking, Caiden told his mom to take all the money he had in his wallet — $100 — and give it to the family in need.
For Lori and her family, the hope is that they can bring Caiden home before Christmas. She said the hospital initially estimated that Caiden will be there for another six weeks to six months.