Salem Rodeo continues support of local rider battling cancer

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BEDFORD (WSLS 10) – A young rodeo hopeful gets good news during his fight with cancer. His riding friends say they are "keeping up the faith, and the fight."

WSLS 10 met 17-year-old Caleb Calhoun of Bedford in January while he was receiving cancer treatment in Roanoke.

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Calhoun, who had been training to compete in the Salem Stampede Rodeo for two years, was visited while receiving treatment at Carilion's Children in Roanoke by members of the Salem Rodeo after his diagnosis stopped him from competing in January of 2017.

Kevin Debusk with the Rodeo came along with two Roman Rider cowgirls to cheer up Calhoun. "We feel what the family is going through," DeBusk said at the time. It was an emotional visit for DeBusk because his wife was diagnosed with cancer four weeks prior to that visit.

"Rodeo we feel has always been about family. We've always talked about being family and what better way to do it than to come out and see some of our own family," DeBusk said at the time.

Although two months have passed since that visit, DeBusk has been keeping up with Calhoun, a young cattle roper that DeBusk says has a lot of talent.

According to DeBusk, in February Calhoun was able to take a break and go to his senior banquet.

DeBusk says Calhoun has finished up his first phase of chemotherapy and scans show the cancer is shrinking.The family is waiting on a second opinion from St. Jude's to see where they will go next.

"What a great role model for young and old alike of how your faith and determination can drive you. Keep up the fight and we continue to pray for totally healing," the Salem Stampede Rodeo said in a statement on facebook.

His family says they are "so appreciative for everyone's prayers and support and for Gods faithfulness."


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