The Cameron Can Foundation helped us fulfill a dream for independence for our son in a way we never could have imagined possible. He has physical disabilities and developmental delays and despite being almost eight years old, he cannot walk independently--or get in and out of a car. We found an adapted chair that would be perfect for him, but the price tag was steep. Given the other expenses we have, we didn't think it was possible. But family and friends rallied around us and with the help of the Cameron Can Foundation, we were able to purchase the seat with cash and now, our son enjoys the independence when traveling that every child should experience.
The Cameron Can Fundraiser evening was an amazing night to celebrate with family and friends. The generosity of everyone there made it possible for us to give Nathanael everything he needs and deserves as a strong, compassionate, humorous, delightful, confident little boy. We are forever grateful for all the Cameron Can Foundation has done for our family--and look forward to joining their dream of paying it forward in the years to come!
As a recipient of the generosity and support from the Cameron Can Foundation, we cannot say enough good things about the work that they do. The fundraising benefit that we attended in March was a spectacular event which brought together friends, family and a host of others who were affected by Cameron's story. Raising a medically complex child is very challenging mentally, physically and financially. Even with a good medical insurance plan there are countless things that are either not covered or things that are related to the medical issue that just add up. We are SO thankful to the Cameron Can Foundation for their professionalism, organization, passion and commitment to families just like ours. A donation to this organization will be well utilized and given to those families who are truly in need.
Paying it forward, because this cause is bigger than one child or one family.
It seems like just yesterday that my husband and I were sitting at our son Cameron’s crib-side in the NICU at Children’s Memorial Hospital as he underwent his first brain surgery. Cameron was born in 2006, two months premature, with a host of life long medical conditions, most notably Hydrocephalus. As we cared for our special little boy, the medical bills began to mount. In 2010, our family was provided with financial support from family and friends to assist in paying down this huge medical debt. Because of this assistance, Cameron can be the happy third grader that he is and is not defined by his ongoing medical conditions!
As we experienced first-hand how financial support could make such a profound impact on our son’s life, we made it our mission to pay it forward and to help other children with life-long neurological conditions. Therefore, in 2011, we created The Cameron Can Foundation http://www.cameron-can.com. It is our goal to show children all they CAN do by providing their families with quality of life grants. These grants can help pay down medical debt, provide adaptive bikes, additional therapies or life experiences such as a camp geared to children with medical needs.
To date, The Cameron Can Foundation, a 501(c ) 3 non-profit organization, has raised over $350,000. This has helped 12 children and a variety of institutions that help children on a daily basis, such as Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, YMCA Camp Independence for kids with Spina Bifida and research groups working to find a cure for Hydrocephalus.
The work that I pour into the Cameron Can Foundation is my life’s passion and the most rewarding way I can give back to a community that gave our family hope and a bright future for our son Cameron. We are continuing to grow this foundation and hope to help many more children with life-long neurological conditions be all they CAN be!
Review from #MyGivingStory