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case study
Cameron’s Story
Cameron from Preston in Lancashire has visited hospital over 900 times, his parents Dianne and Andy tell us why...
“Cameron suffers from Auto Immune Haemolytic Anaemia, a deficiency of his immune system, which was diagnosed when he was one year old.
Cameron was critically ill and required a blood transfusion to raise his levels of haemoglobin. He remained in hospital for two weeks and was treated with steroids and blood transfusions; plus his immune system was suppressed to try and prevent any further attacks on his blood cells.
Over the next few years Cameron became a regular visit to hospital as any infection or common childhood illness would see him requiring treatment.
When he was four doctors discovered that he was also suffering from Idiopathic Thrombocytoponeia Perpora, a condition that combined with Auto Immune Haemolytic Anaemia, becomes Evans Syndrome. This means that Cameron’s immune system also destroys platelets in his blood and pancreatic insulin cells.
Cameron’s blood cannot clot properly; because of his low platelet count meaning that the smallest of falls can result in a trip to hospital. He has had two platelet transfusions and regularly receives Immunoglobins to help his immune system to fight infections.
As a result of having Evans Syndrome, Cameron also suffers from diabetes and takes insulin injections every day.
During one of Cameron’s stays he noticed a plaque on the TV he was watching and asked why it was there. We explained that people sometimes raise money to buy extras such as a TV to make a difference to the poorly children whilst they are in hospital. Cameron said he wanted to do that too and since that day we have raised over £70,000.
We are so proud of everything that our son has achieved. Through his remarkable courage and his determination to help others, Cameron has received a number of awards including a ‘Child of Courage’ from Woman’s Own magazine, a Children’s Champion award from the News of the World and a special Christmas treat from Noel Edmonds.
Until our son was taken ill we had no idea of how much love, care and true professionalism Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital provides.”
