Caleb Roch was a relaxed, easygoing young man who loved baseball, eagles, and his girlfriend, Kate. Most of all, he wanted to be a police officer and had participated in his local college and the University of Illinois' Police Training Institute. He worked mall security and received a national award for saving the life of a baby who had stopped breathing. At 20, Caleb was planning to take his final police test in a year when he was killed in a motorcycle accident. While his organs could not be donated, Caleb was able to donate his corneas, which brought much joy to his mother, Sheila Walters. Sheila has been in touch with Caleb's two recipients, and has called corresponding with his recipients "the biggest blessing of all."

Caleb's Story

Caleb Roch grew up the youngest in his family who learned how to roll with the punches. He had a relaxed, easygoing way right from the start and a natural charm that could make others laugh when they needed it most. His favorite sport was baseball, and he loved the Chicago Cubs from an early age.

Caleb had one true love, his girlfriend, Kate. They met on a bus to Colorado on a church youth trip. "We treasure the time he had with Kate and that he knew that kind of love," Sheila said.

Caleb loved eagles and wanted to be a conservationist to care for them. He also wanted to be a heart surgeon and a minister. But his number one career goal was to be a police officer. To start his career, he enrolled in college classes at the University of Illinois' Police Training Institute, and worked as a dispatcher for the college's Public Safety Police Dept. He also worked mall security where he received a national award for saving the life of a baby who had stopped breathing.

It was a beautiful, summer day in 2008 when the police knocked on Sheila's door. "The mere words took on a life of their own, '…serious accident…escort to the hospital…don't delay…'," she recalled. "Our precious son, Caleb, 20 years old, was killed in an accident while riding the motorcycle he loved. We knew Caleb wanted to be an organ donor and we wanted to honor his wish."

The family was told that organ donation wasn't possible; they were crushed. Later that day, Sheila received a phone call from the Illinois Eye Bank, telling them that Caleb's corneas could be donated. "It was like receiving a part of Caleb back," Sheila affirmed. "Caleb does live on in our hearts, but now he will also live on in two women and touch their lives in very unique and special ways.

Sheila said that "the biggest blessing of all was corresponding with Caleb's recipients." It took four years to hear back from one recipient, Cyndy, who finally wrote. Eventually, Cyndy and Sheila met and shared their own personal stories. They now meet for lunch, attend each other's important events, and even pray for each other.

"We have a bond which cannot be broken and I am eternally grateful," Sheila said.