TAMPA, Fla. — Just like her favorite singer, Taylor Swift, Caddie Schelle is fearless.
A brain bleed may have knocked her down. But this Bloomingdale High golfer defied the odds and got back up. As she goes through the paces of her rehabilitation, Schelle continues to impress.
What You Need To Know
Bloomingdale High golfer Caddie Schelle suffered a brain bleed during a high school practice
She was taken on an air flight to Muma Children’s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital
She has been through extensive rehabilitation, relearning how to walk and talk
“Caddie represents what we all think we can be and that is resilient, strong, determined,” her dad, Rob Schelle, said. “She is just showing everybody that there aren’t limitations.”
The Schelles’ world turned upside down on Aug. 12 when Caddie collapsed during a golf practice. She was taken to Muma Children’s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital on an air flight, and that’s when the fight for her life began.
The rupture in her brain affects her left side. She has had to relearn how to walk and talk and basically do everything again.
“You think you know your kid after 15-and-a-half years of bringing them up,” Rob Schelle said. “We can’t be more proud.”
The rehab is not easy. There’s pain at times. But Caddie is focused on one thing. No matter how hard the task is, no matter how much her head hurts, each step she takes gets her closer to the golf course.
“I just want to go hit some balls,” Caddie said.
The golf community can’t wait for her return. Various fundraisers have been held for the Schelle family — a lot of people reaching out, wanting to help and praying for Caddie. Her fight has touched so many. And it’s inspired so many.
“She’s always said she wants to change the world, and it’s been amazing to see her change it,” her mother, Kilene, said. “Like, she’s changed our community, she’s changed.”