Dalton Kammer's Memorial Fund
Don protégé
Hello everyone,
Our names are Samantha and Felicia and we are Dalton Kammer’s older sisters. As many of you have heard, our sweet Dalton passed away on May 9, 2019 from lung failure. Dalton had a long health battle since 2008 when he was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma which metastasized to bone cancer and bone marrow cancer. The doctor’s predicated a 35% chance of survival. He had multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, two stem cell transplants, immunotherapy and many other procedures until he reached remission. Since then, Dalton developed several medical complications which made day to day life for a child close to impossible. He acquired bilateral profound hearing loss, immune system deficiencies, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis. The pulmonary fibrosis depleted his lung function to 12%. Dalton’s lungs were failing, and his medical team found it necessary for him to be put on the lung transplant list. February of 2018, Dalton received a pair of donor lungs at Children’s Hospital of St Louis. We were nervous, but excited because it meant Dalton could have another chance at living a “normal” childhood. Again, we were faced with another complication. Dalton’s left lower lobe of his new lung had twisted and he had to have an emergent surgery to fix it, which left his body dependent on several machines. He had a machine breathing for him (ventilator), pumping blood through his body (ECMO), and one to help his kidneys (dialysis) for a total of a month and half. May 2018, Dalton returned home to Georgia with his new lungs. Shortly after, Dalton was diagnosed with osteopenia which means his bone density was deteriorating. His gait was severely disrupted and he was required to go to physical therapy. After a few months, Dalton acquired two viruses after being immunosuppressed from medication that prevented rejection to his new lungs. These viruses caused many gastrointestinal issues which lead to fatigue, weight loss, depression, and worsening lung function. April 2019 Dalton was admitted to the hospital for a cough and a low white blood cell count which indicated a virus. However, when examined closer, the doctor’s noticed he was storing carbon dioxide. On May 9, our little warrior who we call brother, passed away.
My parents have never asked for financial help during the past 11 years, but today we are graciously asking. Dalton’s biggest wish was to have a large funeral service for whenever that time came. He also wished to have his burial service in West Virginia so he could lie next to his grandparents. In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to fulfil both of his wishes. Any donation, small or large, is extremely helpful and appreciated.
We invite everyone to attend Dalton’s memorial service in Georgia or burial service in West Virginia. The memorial service will be on May 14th at Tom Wages Funeral Home in Snellville. Visitation will occur between 4-6pm and the service will begin at 6pm.
Dalton’s burial in West Virginia will be held on Saturday May 18that Community Memorial Gardens at 1pm.
Thank you for each thought, prayer, and contribution for our little warrior.
With love,
Samantha and Felicia
Our names are Samantha and Felicia and we are Dalton Kammer’s older sisters. As many of you have heard, our sweet Dalton passed away on May 9, 2019 from lung failure. Dalton had a long health battle since 2008 when he was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma which metastasized to bone cancer and bone marrow cancer. The doctor’s predicated a 35% chance of survival. He had multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, two stem cell transplants, immunotherapy and many other procedures until he reached remission. Since then, Dalton developed several medical complications which made day to day life for a child close to impossible. He acquired bilateral profound hearing loss, immune system deficiencies, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary fibrosis. The pulmonary fibrosis depleted his lung function to 12%. Dalton’s lungs were failing, and his medical team found it necessary for him to be put on the lung transplant list. February of 2018, Dalton received a pair of donor lungs at Children’s Hospital of St Louis. We were nervous, but excited because it meant Dalton could have another chance at living a “normal” childhood. Again, we were faced with another complication. Dalton’s left lower lobe of his new lung had twisted and he had to have an emergent surgery to fix it, which left his body dependent on several machines. He had a machine breathing for him (ventilator), pumping blood through his body (ECMO), and one to help his kidneys (dialysis) for a total of a month and half. May 2018, Dalton returned home to Georgia with his new lungs. Shortly after, Dalton was diagnosed with osteopenia which means his bone density was deteriorating. His gait was severely disrupted and he was required to go to physical therapy. After a few months, Dalton acquired two viruses after being immunosuppressed from medication that prevented rejection to his new lungs. These viruses caused many gastrointestinal issues which lead to fatigue, weight loss, depression, and worsening lung function. April 2019 Dalton was admitted to the hospital for a cough and a low white blood cell count which indicated a virus. However, when examined closer, the doctor’s noticed he was storing carbon dioxide. On May 9, our little warrior who we call brother, passed away.
My parents have never asked for financial help during the past 11 years, but today we are graciously asking. Dalton’s biggest wish was to have a large funeral service for whenever that time came. He also wished to have his burial service in West Virginia so he could lie next to his grandparents. In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to fulfil both of his wishes. Any donation, small or large, is extremely helpful and appreciated.
We invite everyone to attend Dalton’s memorial service in Georgia or burial service in West Virginia. The memorial service will be on May 14th at Tom Wages Funeral Home in Snellville. Visitation will occur between 4-6pm and the service will begin at 6pm.
Dalton’s burial in West Virginia will be held on Saturday May 18that Community Memorial Gardens at 1pm.
Thank you for each thought, prayer, and contribution for our little warrior.
With love,
Samantha and Felicia
Organisateur
Felicia Wendel
Organisateur
Peachtree Corners, GA