Benifit to Help Toddler's Recovery

October 26, 2007
Benefit to Help Fund Toddler's Recovery



Sun-herald.comPORT CHARLOTTE -- Cameron Petersen's sight continues to improve, but his family still needs help.The Loyal Order Moose Lodge 2121 and Fraternal Order of Eagles will hold a charity fundraiser Saturday to benefit Cameron. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge on Loveland Boulevard.The 21-month-old Port Charlotte toddler suffers from optic nerve hypoplasia, a leading cause of blindness in children. The condition causes underdevelopment of the optic nerve and can lead to permanent blindness.Doctors told Cameron's parents nothing could be done.The family began to research other options and found Stem Cells China, a research facility that has infused stem cells into patients with numerous disabilities and diseases.Cameron traveled to China in August as part of a case study to treat his blindness with stem cells. The procedure transplanted harvested umbilical-cord stem cells into Cameron. It consisted of four stem-cell infusions to Cameron's arm and the lumbar region of his spine.By the third treatment, Cameron was standing on his own and crawling toward objects -- tasks he couldn't do before. Now, doctors say he can see to his knees.The family needs assistance with medical expenses, including a hyperbaric oxygen decompression unit to help Cameron's vision improve.Cameron's grandmother, Carol Petersen, will also hold an event at Gilchrist Park Nov. 3 to raise awareness about umbilical stem-cell research. Petersen has been collecting signatures since September to start a government-funded cord blood bank.For more information about Cameron's story or to sign a petition, visit www.cameronsmiracleofsight.com. Donations may also be made to the "Cameron Lee Petersen Trust" at any Bank of America.