COLONIE - When Cameron Stackman and the graduating kindergarten class of Forest Park Elementary School made their way to the cafeteria stage early this morning, cameras flashed like they were superstars on the red carpet at the Grammy's.
But while every student is special on their graduation day, there was something about Cameron that set him apart from the group, attracting everyone's attention.
The five-year-old was born on Nov. 1, 2001 with part of his intestine formed outside of his body, a rare condition called gastroschesis. Four years ago he had a multiple organ transplant needed to save his life.
And on Friday, during graduation, he was all smiles.
"This is really exciting, we never thought that he would develop so fast. We're very thankful that the school treated him like family and just like the other students,'' said a proud Amy Stackman, Cameron's mother.
For a young child that has been through so much, neither Cameron or his parents showed too much emotion but everyone was unanimously grateful.
"There is truly a miracle here today,'' said John Smith, president of the Albany County Correctional Facility for Children's Benefit. The organization has supported Cameron and the Stackman family through all trials and triumphs and raised $25,000 for the family to pay for operations and travel expenses.
The family-oriented environment at the school has also been supportive of Cameron's family, helping to raise about $1,000 to help the Stackmans through tough times, William Stackman, Cameron's father added.
The condition demanded complex surgery as his blood supply to his intestine was cut off due to the abdomen wall beginning to form around it. In some instances during the early part of his treatment, IVs were applied to Cameron for 16 hours a day. One month after his birth, Stackman was placed on the organ donor list.
In February of 2003, Cameron underwent a double transplant on his intestine and liver and has come a long way with odds against him all the way through.
At school, Cameron is like the little town mayor, said Cameron's kindergarten teacher, Shawn Healy, "he walks proudly down the hall, waving at everyone.''
One of the biggest accomplishments this year for Cameron has been his growth of independence, said Heather Kurto, a special education teacher.
School Principal Patrick Gunner recalled carrying Stackman around in his arms after he broke a leg during a trampoline accident. It was a task he said he didn't mind.
"I'll carry him around until he's 12 if I have to, whenever you have supporting, loving, caring parents, teachers, and staff, situations like these always work out,'' Gunner said on the verge of tears.
"What's next,'' Gunner asked the audience, "first grade,'' the principal answered.
