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.
