Playground built to honor boy who died from leukemia

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Six years after their four-year-old son died from leukemia, Rob and Monique Whan have created an everlasting memory for many other children.

ATheir playground, part of the organization they created in honor of their son – Caleb’s Crusade – is now at the Villas Civic Center near Metro Parkway and Crystal Drive.

“Every time he passed a playground he wanted to stop no matter how small it was or how big it was,” Rob Whan said. “That’s what he wanted to do.”

Caleb’s family said they’re amazed at the outpouring of community support.

“This is a representation of what it took, these people coming, just shows how many people that Caleb’s life impacted in only just four years,” Ron Whan said.

The playground also features Catie Stephens, or “Catie Bug,” who died of stage four Neuroblastoma a year after Caleb.

“That’s beyond words,” Joseph Stephens, Catie’s father, said. “I mean to be able to come here and see that lady bug and kids playing on it and knowing that shes here is beyond words.”

The playground was funded by a matching grant of $15,000 from the Elizabeth K. Galeana Foundation and more than $20,000 in donations from local businesses and residents.