In the News

Caldwell graduate overcomes unlikely odds

12:31 PM MDT on Saturday, May 26, 2007

Mike Perry/KTVB Photographer

Melinda says she knew she would graduate with the rest of her classmates despite what doctors predicted.

NAMPA - Melinda Baez is a soft-spoken teenager.  The only noticeable disability is the lack of movement in her arm.

Even though half of Melinda’s brain was removed, you'd never know it by just talking to her.

Thousands packed the Idaho Center this afternoon as Caldwell High School seniors took center stage.

For the class of 2007 this day is a day they'll never forget. But for one student, this is a day she was told, she'd never get to.

19-year old Melinda Crystal Baez was born a healthy baby. But by age four she started having seizures, and was diagnosed with epilepsy.  Her family was told she'd get better, but she didn't.  And ended up unable to talk or eat.  A biopsy was done on her head in 19-93, seven days later, 90-percent of the right side of her brain was removed.

"They told us she wouldn't be doing good in school especially math and reading but I guess she did do very good, she graduated,” said Oscar Baez, Melinda’s father.

With a report card of A's and B's Melinda graduated.  With her family watching, their daughter's name was announced, and she made her way across the stage to get her diploma.

"It's just a good feeling, yeah and all my family is here, especially my mom and dad,” said Melinda Baez, graduate.

Melinda says she knew she would graduate with the rest of her classmates -- despite what doctors predicted.

"I knew I was going to be able to go through all this because god helped me, said Melinda.

And it doesn't end there -- the girl who was told she'd never be able to it -- has her future already planned.

"Going to college to be a secretary,” said Melinda

"We are very proud of her and thank god, it's a big blessing and we love her and get her into college now, and she is ready,” said Oscar        

Melinda doesn't know where she will attend college, that's what she'll have to decide over her summer break.