Disclosure :: this post is sponsored by Children’s Hospital New Orleans.
From Lafayette to New Orleans, Cam’s Cancer Journey
Eleven-year-old Camden “Cam” Barnard’s life took a sudden and heartbreaking turn when his leukemia returned after two and a half years of remission. Diagnosed with a rare genetic mutation known as the Philadelphia chromosome, Cam’s leukemia posed a unique challenge, necessitating specialized treatment options not available just anywhere. From his hometown of Lafayette, Cam was referred to Children’s Hospital New Orleans, where he would begin a journey of complex treatments, including a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Children’s Hospital New Orleans, the only pediatric cancer center in the state offering advanced therapies like bone marrow transplants and CAR T-cell therapy, became Cam’s new world as he fought for his life once again.
Upon arrival, Cam met with Dr. Cori Morrison, his primary oncologist. She explained the road ahead, carefully guiding him and his family through each step required to prepare his body for a bone marrow transplant. Dr. Morrison understood her young patient’s fears, especially given her own recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. In a moment of vulnerability shared with Cam, she let him know he wasn’t alone in facing unexpected health battles.
The journey through treatment brought with it both hope and fear, as the side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, and the transplant took a toll on Cam. He developed severe mouth sores, making it difficult to eat, but he never lost his spirit. As Cam underwent intense treatment he found comfort and inspiration from a unique source—a sign across from his hospital window reading, “#CAMSTRONG… WE LOVE YOU.” His father, Pat, had organized the sign’s installation, hoping to give his son a reminder of the community rallying behind him. When Cam caught sight of the local baseball team waving to him from the field next door, it lifted his spirits, reminding him that, while he was in the hospital, he wasn’t fighting alone.
Cam’s road to a bone marrow transplant wasn’t easy, as his medical team worked tirelessly to find a suitable donor. The ideal match was a young person whose stem cells could last a lifetime. Miraculously, they found a perfect match in a donor just over 20 years old. This milestone marked a new chapter in Cam’s treatment, allowing him to undergo the transplant with renewed hope.
Thanks to the dedication of his healthcare team and the unwavering support of his family, friends, and community, Cam fought through each challenge. Dr. Pinki Prasad, who 
oversees Children’s Hospital’s Late Effects Clinic, emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring for long-term side effects—a crucial part of care for children like Cam who have undergone intensive treatments.
Cam continues to receive care from Children’s Hospital at their outpatient clinic in Lafayette. His journey is a powerful testament to the strength of a community coming together, and the state-of-the-art care provided by Children’s Hospital New Orleans that gives children like him the best chance to overcome their illness and look forward to a brighter future.
Be sure to catch Cam in the Children’s Hospital New Orleans Holiday Parade this Saturday, December 7, in New Orleans!
