Five-Year-Old With Brittle Bones That Break Like A 'Glass Doll' Because Of Rare Bone Condition Dreams Of Being Iron Man

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Kaden has a brittle bone condition that results in fragile bones that break easily. The disease is often referred to as osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), which means “imperfectly formed bone.” He suffered over 40 fractures since birth.

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The five-year-old, from Dallas, Texas won’t let anything hold him back. He enjoys play fighting, dancing, and singing. He loves dressing up as comic book hero Iron Man or ‘Man of Steel’ Superman.

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Valorie Salsman, Kaden’s mum, said: “I think Kaden loves superheroes so much because maybe he partially feels like he is one."

Doctors told Kaden's parents that he wouldn't survive birth and they should plan for a funeral, because of his fractures Kaden would never breathe on his own, he would never cry and he would be in so much pain.

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Approximately one person in 20,000 will develop the brittle bone disease. It occurs equally among males and females and among ethnic groups.

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Brittle bone disease is caused by a defect, or flaw, in the gene that produces type 1 collagen, a protein used to create bone. The defective gene is usually inherited. In some cases, however, a genetic mutation, or change, can cause it.

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Kaden was given less than a five percent chance of survival and doctors recommended a termination. Valorie and Kaden’s dad, Kelby Casebolt who are now separated decided to go against medical advice and proceed with the pregnancy.

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There’s no cure for brittle bone disease. However, there are supportive therapies that help reduce your child’s risk of broken bones and increase their quality of life. Treatments for brittle bone disease include:

physical and occupational therapy to increase your child’s mobility and muscle strength

bisphosphonate medications to strengthen your child’s bones

medicine to reduce any pain

low-impact exercise to help build bone

surgery to place rods in your child’s bones

reconstructive surgery to correct bone deformities

mental health counseling to help treat issues with body image

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Now Kaden has a normal active life at home with his mum and stepdad, Benjamin Herzog. Despite Kaden’s progression, his bones are still very fragile, and he can even break a bone from a bumpy car ride.

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Kaden now attends a regular kindergarten, where his unique personality and character has made him popular with classmates and teachers alike.

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Now Valorie, Kelby, and Benjamin, all have high hopes for Kaden’s future.

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