September 24, 1999 – January 14, 2010
On Jan. 14, we lost our son Cameron, at the age of 10 to NBIA. Cameron had been diagnosed with PKAN two years earlier, but he never let his illness interfere with his joy of life. He left us with his amazing courage and joyful spirit.
He was an exceptional student and loved going to school at Sycamore Elementary in Holt, Mich. He attended regularly until the end of the 2008-2009 school year. Cameron’s other favorites were shelling at the beach, swimming, blueberry picking, his dogs, the TV show Phineas and Ferb, and Disney Pixar films.
During the last few months, many friends, relatives, school staff, and medical personnel shared fond memories with Cameron. We also shared many memories with each other. What we have come to realize is that Cam was providing us a time for reflection and was preparing us for the realization that Life is Good is not just a slogan for a T-Shirt. What it really is, is a full recognition that true happiness comes from within and true comfort comes from sharing experiences with the people we love.
We give our most sincere thanks to Dr. Susan Hayflick, Dr. Penny Hogarth, Allison Gregory and the rest of the Research Team for their support and expertise over the past two years. Cameron was in the hospital from Oct. 16, 2009 until he came home on Jan. 6. During this time we were grateful to have the advice of Dr. Hayflick and Dr. Hogarth with regards to what care would be best for our son.
In addition, we have been supported by the staff at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Mich., as well as the staff at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids. We will be forever grateful to you all.
Cameron is dearly loved and missed by his parents, Lynda and Sally Meade, sister Kylie, grandma, Aunt Susan, Uncle Steve, Uncle Gordon, Uncle Jim and his extended family of close friends, peers, teachers, therapists and all of the loving and giving people who came into our lives because of our dear Cameron. Since Cameron’s passing, friends of the family named a star after him called, “Cam the Braveheart.”
“Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
– “For Good” from “Wicked”
