Project: Cameron's Story

Thank you to host, Billy Floyd and guest co-host Nicol Lally for inviting me to Upstate Living to talk about the mission of Project: Cameron's Story!

https://vimeo.com/1210834868

Project: Cameron’s Story 7/17/2026 Project: Cameron’s Story features on Upscale Living on Channel 10

True Story ❤️

We had a very special day with our foundation at the Albany Medical Center's 2026 NICU Reunion event. What a well-planned, meaningful event! We gave away nearly 100 books, assisted with dozens and dozens of decorated cookies, provided crafts to little ones, caught up with nurses and doctors who knew Cam. And met nurses and doctors who did not know Cam but know and understand his legacy. We had lots of parents and caregivers tell us emotional stories of what their books meant to them. And I got to celebrate all 3 of my NICU warriors today.

Favorite quote of the day: (Upon seeing Cam's big sister, Schuyler -19 years old and all grown up) a nurse said, "That can't be the same pig-tailed little girl who was such a big helper to Cameron in the NICU!!"

Seventeen years ago, I walked through the doors of Albany Medical Center carrying hopes, fears, and dreams for my newborn son, Cameron.

Like so many NICU parents, I lived one day at a time. I celebrated small victories, worried through difficult moments, and learned just how strong a tiny baby—and a family—can be. At the time, I couldn't see beyond our own journey. I certainly couldn't have imagined that one day I would return, not only as Cameron's mom, but as the founder of Project: Cameron's Story.

This year, Project: Cameron's Story has been invited to participate in Albany Med's NICU Reunion, and it is difficult to put into words what that means to me. Albany Med was the first hospital we partnered with when we began our mission, and it remains the place where Cameron's story began.

Over the past few weeks, I have been reading the posts from families sharing photos of their children and updates on how far they have come. Every picture tells a story of perseverance, hope, and love. Every smile is a reminder that miracles don't always arrive in the way we expect them to—but they arrive nonetheless.

Seventeen years ago, I never could have imagined that Cameron's life would touch families he would never meet. I never could have imagined that the little boy who inspired one book donation would inspire hundreds of thousands of books delivered to NICUs across New York State. I never could have imagined that his story would become part of so many other stories.

And yet, here we are.

While I wish more than anything that Cameron could be standing beside me at this reunion, I am humbled by the good that has grown from his life. What began as a mother's love for her son has become a community of kindness, compassion, and support for families walking a journey that we know all too well.

To the NICU graduates, the parents, the nurses, doctors, and caregivers—and to everyone who has supported Project: Cameron's Story over the years—thank you. Thank you for allowing Cameron's legacy to live not only in memory, but in action.

I look forward to celebrating these incredible children and families and honoring the place where Cameron's story—and so many others—began.

Every year I get to watch something so special. As you know our foundation gives away three $1000 scholarships to local seniors who are pursuing a degree in the medical field AND who have a strong history of voluntarism. 2 of those scholarships can go to a student from any high school in New York State. But one of those scholarships must go to a student graduating from Glens Falls High School. This is what would have been Cameron's home school. It is where his brother and sister attend.

Each year I have watched as Cameron's big sister, Schuyler presented this award and as Cameron's little brother, Liam sat next to me to cheer the whole process on. HOWEVER, Schuyler graduated last year and Liam moved on to the high school, so this morning I got to watch HIM deliver the speech and make the presentation with his sister (and my Dad) sitting next to me. Such an important way to honor Cam's life and to help others too!

(Although Liam presents the award, he only finds out who the recipient is a couple of days before the actual ceremony.) This year we had 85+ applicants!!

We are so proud to present one of the 2026 Cameron Jace Quartiers Memorial Scholarships to GFHS Senior, Chloe Wright!

(We have 2 other recipients from other school districts who have not been announced yet.)

Thinking of the babies and mothers who are in the NICU on this special holiday. Recently, Project: Cameron's Story shipped books to all families in the NICU's at the hospitals we partner with in time for Mother's Day. We have been doing this for years because we think it is so important. We hope that this small, simple gesture can help bring a little bit of normalcy - and a lot of bonding! - for these babies and their mommies! Much blessings to these tiniest of fighters - and to the families who love them!