Community Corner
Matthew's Giving Tree Event Draws Crowd to LIMM
Hundreds come out to support and remember Matthew Cameron.
One little boy was the impetus for a very charitable cause.
Matthew Cameron, son of Dan and Shannon Cameron, was born with a serious congenital heart defect in November 2002. After eight months in the hospital, numerous tests, three open heart surgeries and a litany of other surgical procedures he was able to go home, but was accompanied by a ventilator, tracheotomy, feeding tube and many expensive medications.
Matthew passed away in January 2010, but his family did not want his story to end there. They established Matthew’s Giving Tree as a way to help other families who face similar medical challenges.
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On Sept. 17, the organization held its first fundraising event at the More than 200 attendees came to show their support. Attendees were asked to donate books for hospitals. Families came for picnics, raffles, a Chinese Auction, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides, games of chance, bounce houses and food and drinks which were all donated.
Kay Cameron, Matthew’s grandmother and proprietor of on Main Street, said of the day: “It’s a little stressful and sad. It brings back memories, but it makes me very proud. We’re celebrating Matthew’s life. Dan and Shannon traveled to Columbia Presbyterian hospital every day for eight months. Tolls, lunches, parking – it’s the little things that people don’t realize cost so much and that insurance doesn’t cover.”
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“Only good will come out of this," she added of the event. "The sun is shining just like Matthew’s wonderful smile.”
Kathleen Prokesch, director of marketing and special events, for the LIMM, said, “It’s a great family with a lot of support from people eager to participate.”
One of these people was Michelle Young who attended with family and friends. “I work with Shannon’s mom at Sachem and I came down to support the family and the memory of Matthew,” she said.
Anyone interested in finding out more about this organization or making a donation can log onto their website www.matthewsgivingtree.com. If you know a family who may need assistance, e-mail Shannon Cameron at smg2277@aol.com
