Young child wearing a dark snapback cap and white graphic tee stands outdoors near a stroller on a sunny day.
A man in a snapback hat and a young boy in a blue shirt smile at the camera outdoors near pumpkins.
Boy sitting on a large stone mountain lion sculpture with a smaller cub statue in a rocky cave setting.
Young boy sitting on a bench beside a Ronald McDonald statue outside a McDonald's restaurant.

Camden's Corner



Hi! Thanks so much for being here.


It means a lot to know Camden is surrounded by so many people who care about him. We'll be using this page to share updates throughout his open-heart surgery and recovery, so you can stay connected and follow along with his journey.


When Camden was just a few months old, we learned he had a congenital heart defect. Soon after, we also found out he has Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that’s often connected to heart disease. Those early days were full of unknowns, appointments, and trying to make sense of a world we knew nothing about.


Over the last few years, we’ve watched Camden grow into the sweetest little boy. He has the biggest smile, the happiest laugh, and a way of making people feel loved without even trying. He loves big hugs, being silly, and finding joy in the simplest things. šŸž There’s just something special about him—he leaves people smiling, and somehow makes every place he goes feel a little brighter.


After years of closely watching his heart and waiting for the right time, we’re finally here at Stanford for his surgery. It’s hard to believe this day has arrived, but we’re hopeful it’s the beginning of a healthier, stronger future for him.

Woman and young boy sitting together on a garden pathway surrounded by lavender plants and greenery.

Pre-Op

June 29th, 2026


Camden absolutely crushed all of his pre-op appointments today. His echocardiogram looked as good as we could have hoped for heading into surgery tomorrow. He’s been so cooperative through it all and, true to Camden, has been making friends everywhere he goes. We’re feeling grateful and hopeful as we head into tomorrow.

Family exploring a glass display exhibit at a museum, with children touching the case and adults standing nearby.
Young toddler boy in blue shirt getting height measured at pediatric doctor office checkup.
Young child lying in hospital bed with medical monitoring equipment and a gloved healthcare worker providing care.

Admission


Tonight we’re getting settled in at the hospital so Camden can be admitted for IV hydration before surgery. It’s one more step that helps make tomorrow as safe and smooth as possible.


His surgery is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. California time tomorrow and expected to last 6-8 hours. We’ll share updates here throughout the day as we’re able. Thank you for keeping our sweet guy in your thoughts and for all the love that’s carried us to this point. ā¤ļø

Young smiling boy resting in a hospital bed, covered with white blankets, wearing a blue shirt.
Medical staff and family assist a young boy in a hospital room with an adjustable bed and monitoring equipment.

Surgery

June 30th, 2026


Last night’s IV was definitely Camden’s least favorite part of this whole process. ā¤ļøā€šŸ©¹ Thankfully, that’s been the hardest part so far for him. He slept well overnight, woke up happy, and went into surgery this morning fully hydrated and in the best shape possible for today.


As of 11:30, surgery is officially underway, and everything is going smoothly so far. We know this is a long day, but it’s reassuring knowing he’s in such incredibly skilled and caring hands. Right now, we’re just taking it one update at a time and looking forward to seeing our brave little guy on the other side of this.

Child patient resting in hospital bed wearing medical gown, using tablet device with white pillows and blankets.
A young child gazes at a colorful whale sculpture made of toys and trinkets displayed near a white fence indoors.
A nurse in blue scrubs stands beside a young child resting in a hospital bed in a medical facility.

Surgery Update


As of 2:00 Camden is out of surgery, off bypass, and everything went really well. ā¤ļø We’re so, so relieved.


We’ll get to see him in the CVICU soon. He’ll still be asleep and on a breathing tube while he starts recovering, but knowing he’s through surgery safely is a really good feeling.


We’re incredibly thankful and looking forward to being by his side. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS, GOOD VIBES, MESSAGES & POSITIVE THOUGHTS!

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Vibrant red bougainvillea flowers with white centers and green leaves blooming on a lush tropical shrub in sunlight.

ICU

July 1st, 2026


Camden made it safely out of surgery and into the CVICU last night around 5:00 ā¤ļøā€šŸ©¹ Getting to be back at his bedside after surgery was such a relief.


He had a really good first night and is doing great. His bleeding has been minimal, which is exactly what everyone was hoping to see. Overnight, they slowly started backing off some of his medications. As he started waking up, he made it pretty clear he wasn’t a fan of the breathing tube and reached for it a few times, so they adjusted his sedation to keep him comfortable and safe.


It’s been amazing to watch the CVICU team. His nurses have been so attentive, constantly checking on him and staying one step ahead of everything. If he keeps doing as well as he has been, the plan is to remove his breathing tube this morning.


We’re feeling so grateful for how well he’s doing and are just taking it one step at a time. ā¤ļø

Black and white photo of a man in a cap leaning over a hospital bed, gently touching a patient lying down.
Child patient lying in hospital ICU bed surrounded by medical monitors and IV drip equipment in clinical setting.
Young child resting in a hospital bed connected to medical equipment and monitors in a pediatric care unit.

Breathing Tube: OUT! 🤩

ICU Update

July 2nd, 2026


Camden is doing really well. ā¤ļø We’re starting to see more of his little personality coming back 🤩


He was up quite a bit last night and definitely uncomfortable at times, but the they're working on getting his pain medication regimen dialed in so he can be more comfortable.


Today they’re hoping to get him up and moving around a little more, and if he keeps doing as well as he has been, sounds like he’ll be able to move out of the ICU later today!

Child patient resting in hospital bed while adult leans over with medical equipment and monitors visible nearby.
Young child resting in hospital bed with IV, wearing teal animal print pajamas, hugging a stuffed husky toy.
Young child resting in hospital bed with Stonefire Naan Crisps Sea Salt bag and stuffed animal toy.

 

Yesterday’s echo report brought the best news, words that made all this worth it.


The surgery worked.


There is no residual supravalvar aortic stenosis, which means the narrowing Dr. Hanley repaired is gone, blood is flowing freely through the repaired area, and there’s no remaining obstruction where Camden’s severe narrowing used to be.


His heart is pumping normally, there isn’t any concerning fluid around his heart, and everything is pointing toward a really great recovery so far. We are so, so grateful. ā¤ļø

 

Graduated from ICU



It’s been a busy morning over here! Camden got up to stand, made his way over to the chair for some snuggles 🄰 and has been checking off some big milestones. They pulled out a few more of his lines, so it’s been a lot of hustle and bustle with people coming in and out all morning.


Now we’re finally settled into our new room, it’s nice and quiet, and he’s getting a much-needed nap.

Black and white photo of a woman holding a sleeping child in a hospital chair, both covered with a patterned blanket.
Child sleeping in hospital bed wrapped in a Batman blanket, resting peacefully on white pillow.

Update

July 3rd, 2026



What a perfect little patient. ā¤ļø


Today was another big one—more lines came out, he got up and stood again, had another echo, and finally got some food in his belly.


Watching him bounce back has been pretty remarkable, and it’s looking like we might get discharged this weekend!


We also have to say… Palo Alto has been such a neat place to be, and Stanford has completely exceeded every expectation. The care Camden has received has been nothing short of amazing, and we’re so grateful we ended up here.


I honestly can't believe all of this has happened and that we're where we are now with such an incredible outcome. We are so thankful, so relieved, and just feeling really, really lucky.

A man helps a young child stand in a hospital room, child wearing colorful shorts and crocs.
Black and white photo of a child with medical electrodes attached, being examined by an adult in a clinical setting.
Happy young child smiling in hospital bed with medical equipment, eating a snack during recovery.
Child patient lying in hospital bed receiving an echocardiogram ultrasound examination from a medical technician.

 

July 4th, 2026


Happy 4th of July!



Apparently nobody told Camden he just had heart surgery. ā¤ļø

Today he got up, walked a full lap around the unit, and made it look way easier than we expected.


We're just making sure he gets enough fluids on his own today and we'll be out of here tomorrow šŸ¤žšŸ»

 

Young boy in pajamas holding an adult's hand near a decorated reception desk with American flag bunting.
Child's feet wearing colorful Colorado-themed socks with bear and moose designs, with a medical IV line visible.
Smiling young child resting in a hospital bed wearing a gray gown with a medical sensor on finger.

 

Headed Home!

July 5th, 2026



Well… Camden definitely understood the assignment yesterday. He drank all the water they asked him to, so today we get to head HOME!


It’s honestly hard to believe we’re already at this point. Five days ago we were handing our little boy over for open-heart surgery, and today we’re walking out of here with the best outcome we could have hoped for.


Stanford has been nothing short of amazing. Every nurse, doctor, therapist, and staff member has made us feel so cared for every step of the way. We will never be able to thank Dr. Hanley and the entire cardiac team enough for the incredible care they gave Camden. They didn’t just fix his heart, they gave our family so much peace and hope.


This little guy continues to amaze us. He’s stronger and braver than we ever could have imagined, and we couldn’t be more proud of him.


Now it’s time to head home, hug Emerson, sleep in our own beds, and start this next chapter. Our hearts are so full. Thank you all for loving and cheering Camden on through all of this. ā¤ļø

 

Smiling young boy in patterned shirt and joggers poses happily in black and white photo.
A smiling toddler boy wearing a Pikachu print shirt and red Stanford sweatpants stands in a modern building hallway.
A young boy wearing a floral shirt and red Stanford sweatpants walks confidently along a modern building walkway.
A pilot shows a young toddler the aircraft cockpit controls while seated in the captain's chair of a commercial airplane.

Home Sweet Home



Now that we’re back, the focus is all on healing. The next five to six weeks are all about strict sternal precautions while Camden’s chest heals, which means no swimming, no roughhousing, no climbing, and being extra careful with lifting and how he’s picked up. It’s definitely an adjustment for a busy three-year-old, but every day is one step closer to getting back to just being a kid.


He’s already amazing us with how well he’s doing, and understanding how to be careful. The best part is he thinks his scar is pretty cool įµ•Ģˆ

Smiling young child with a surgical scar on chest, shown in black and white portrait photo.