Doctors advised his parents to consider abortion after learning that Kaden had a 95% chance of never breathing for the first time. They turned down the offer and decided to “bet on” their son, even though the odds were only 5 percent in their favor. “Regardless, we wanted to meet our baby boy,” his mother, Valorie Salsman, tells BBC Three.

“It was like a dream come true,” she says of Kaden’s birth. The journey ahead would be difficult, but Kaden was a fighter. Nothing could stop him because he had the strength of a superhero. Kaden was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta when Valorie was only five months pregnant. The uncommon condition, also known as “brittle bone disease,” is a genetic disorder that causes bones to break easily for unknown reasons.

Despite his small stature and limited abilities, Kaden has persevered in growing, learning, and defying all odds. Kaden has had over 40 broken bones and numerous surgeries. “He lives fearlessly,” Valorie says, “but he also lives cautiously.” The superhero-loving, rowdy, fun-loving little boy may be a “glass doll,” but he’s still a miracle.

Valorie is glad she didn’t believe the doctors who said Kaden would never learn to walk, talk, or do anything. If she had listened to them, she would not have this strong little boy who can do everything they said he couldn’t. Valorie believes her son is capable of accomplishing anything he sets his mind to, and she is excited to see what the future holds for him.