Hi everyone. My name is Courtney and I have the privilege of being godmother and "Aunt Court" to a really awesome young guy named Camoran. Cam has always been, truly, one of the sweetest kids you could ever meet. He always greets you with an infectious smile that warms your spirit. He is quiet and kind but also charming and quick-witted. Cam is incredibly driven and was working 60+ hours all summer long in a variety of settings including as a lifeguard in Scranton, PA. He has also served as a volunteer firefighter in prior years because that's just part of who he is; a hard worker with a huge heart.

Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, a routine chest x-ray at an Urgent Care showed that Cam's personality didn't just reflect a big heart, but he ACTUALLY has a big heart, also known as cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. The last few weeks have entailed a whirlwind of events including transfer from local a hospital to CHOP, endless testing with labs, echocardiograms, MRIs, and a 3+week stay in a pediatric ICU. Camoran's mom and dad have not left his side and his immediate family is helping keep life as normal as possible for his sister, Chloe.

At just 17 years old, Cam has endured more in the last few weeks than most adults can even fathom. He has had to sit through lengthy conversations with cardiologists and other specialists trying to navigate what life is going to look like over the next few weeks, months and years. Rather than talking about how he wants to celebrate his 18th birthday, conversations have shifted to what heart failure medications he can tolerate, how long he will require IV medications (his IV pole is otherwise known as his clingy GF), advanced cardiac treatments such as an LVAD (left ventricular assistive device), and ultimately, a heart transplant.

After weeks of testing, Cam's genetic testing came back positive for a disease known as Becker's Muscular Dystrophy. Unfortunately, as is often the case with Becker's MD, cardiomyopathy is the presenting symptom. He is currently battling severe dilated cardiomyopathy and severe dilatation to the left ventricle causing heart failure. His heart is currently functioning at less than 10% which leads to a very uncertain future at this time despite many medication trials and the best team of pediatric physicians in the country. He was formally placed on a heart transplant list this past weekend.

I am starting this GoFundMe to help ease the financial impact of this life-changing diagnosis for Camoran and his family. His care is going to require prolonged or repeated hospital stays, extensive testing, travel for appointments, medications, lodging/hotels, months of missed work, food, and other unpredictable expenses.

Knowing a heart transplant is in his future, this journey may be long and complicated. His family's greatest hope is that when decisions need to be made about Cam's care, they can make them based on what is going to give Cam the best chance at a long, fulfilling life, not simply what the family can afford.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. Cam's appetite has been minimal and even $5 for a snack he is craving makes a difference. Every contribution will help Camoran and his family navigate the long road ahead and dedicate their time and energy to Cam's healing and recovery.

I understand that times are tough for so many people right now and you may not be in a position to donate. Please simply consider sharing Cam's story. Reaching the right person, family, organization, or community can make an incredible difference for him and let him know he is not alone on this journey.

From Camoran's parents:

"Cam, we want you to know this diagnosis does not define you. You are still the same son we loved before we ever heard the words "heart failure". You still have so many dreams to chase, memories to make, places to go, and an entire life ahead of you. We don't exactly know what the road ahead will look like, but you will never walk it alone. We will fight alongside you every step of the way".

From the bottom of our hearts, from all of us who love Camoran so dearly, thank you for taking the time to read his story. Please continue to share, donate, and most of all keep him in your thoughts and prayers.