At NeuroKids, our mission is driven by the generosity and support of incredible donors who believe in ensuring every child has access to life-saving neurological care. In this edition of our new Donor Spotlight Series, we’re honored to share the story of the Caldwell family—Cam, Gina, and their son, Lane. Their journey with NeuroKids began under the most challenging of circumstances, but through their experience, they have become passionate advocates for expanding access to pediatric neurosurgical care.
How did you first learn about NeuroKids?
Our son, Lane, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor on Oct 7, 2022, at 9 years old. The same day he was diagnosed, we met Dr. Michael Dewan in the ER that night. He came in and told us he would be performing a life-saving surgery on Lane the next morning to remove his tumor and treat his hydrocephalus. He would continue to see us every day for the next 8 days that Lane was in the PICU and hospital.
During that time, my husband, Cam, and I felt unbelievably supported and cared for by Dr. Dewan, and after researching his work and all of his accolades, we learned about his involvement with NeuroKids. By that point, we had so much trust in him that we knew whatever organization he was involved in would serve an incredible purpose in helping others.
What initially inspired you to support NeuroKids?
After getting the shocking news of our son’s brain tumor diagnosis, I couldn’t help but be so thankful that we had one of the best neurosurgeons in the world, Dr. Dewan, 30 minutes down the road to treat our son. I remember praying and thanking God for that blessing specifically. Dr. Dewan was able to give Lane a chance at life and more time. After learning about NeuroKids’ mission, we knew we wanted to do whatever we could to help other parents have access to life-saving care for their children so that they could have hope and a chance at life.
What keeps you connected and engaged with our mission?
We have always been so impressed by the transparency of NeuroKids and how they tell us exactly where our donations go. Whether the donations are going to the mission or for specific equipment required to perform these life-saving surgeries, we know every dollar we give to NeuroKids is going toward saving children’s lives.
We look forward to the frequent updates we receive about how the organization is growing and how many children and families are being impacted by the care they are providing. When you enter the world of pediatric cancer, there are so many organizations that are wanting support, and we have tried to become good stewards of our resources to make sure that our money is going toward organizations that are also thoughtfully utilizing their resources to make the biggest impact. We have no doubt that NeuroKids is making the biggest impact with the resources they have.
Is there a specific moment, story, or experience that stands out to you in your journey as a donor?
Shortly after Lane’s diagnosis, we were so blessed to have so many people willing to help in whatever way possible. Several people reached out wondering how they could raise money for our family. We were so inspired by the mission of NeuroKids that we encouraged people to raise money for the organization.
With the help of several friends and family members, we were able to raise $12,000 for NeuroKids. Shortly after we helped raise the money, we received an email from Derek telling us that $12,000 was the exact amount needed to buy a specific tool needed for surgeries to treat hydrocephalus, and that surgical tool would go on to save over 200 children’s lives.
It helped us see light and gave us a greater purpose during a time when we were helping our child fight cancer. We wanted our son’s experience to bring about something greater, and being able to contribute in even a small way to NeuroKids helped us to feel like his journey was able to bring more light into the world and that something good could come from something so difficult.
What would you say to others who are considering supporting NeuroKids?
We are so blessed in this country to have access to medical care. We never expect our children to be diagnosed with cancer, hydrocephalus, or spina bifida, but when it happens, you feel forever indebted to the medical professionals who are working to save your child’s life. To think that a doctor wouldn’t even be around to save your child’s life is tragic.
We have so much hope for Lane’s future because of the surgery Dr. Dewan successfully performed on Lane and all the medical care we received following his diagnosis. Our hope would be that we can play a small role in giving that hope to other families and children in parts of the world where necessary medical care is not readily available.
We also have so much trust and faith in Dr. Dewan. Because of that trust and our own research in NeuroKids’ mission, we know our money is being spent responsibly and is saving children’s lives.
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The Caldwell family’s story is a powerful testament to the impact that access to quality pediatric neurosurgical care can have on a child’s life. Their generosity, resilience, and commitment to helping other families find hope through NeuroKids inspire us all.
At NeuroKids, we are honored to have donors like the Caldwell family who turn their own challenges into opportunities to create change for others. Their journey is a reminder that together, we can bring life-saving care to children who need it most.
Would you like to be part of this mission? Join us in making a difference today. Donate today
