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Garrett’s story through Mommy’s eyes A short version of a long journey Garrett had a peaceful spirit and was always content as a baby. He grew and played as children do. Our Tupperware cabinet, taken over with his balls and blocks kept his little hands busy. His giggle was warm music as his sister jumped from behind the highchair in his favorite game of peek-a-boo and he always headed down his slide with fearless excitement on his belly laughing the whole way. His heart was pure, his love unconditional and his smile could melt the heart of anyone. As he began to reach each milestone slightly behind “normal” timetables, the questioning began. At 15 months, his pediatrician began some testing and Garrett was taken for his first MRI as we began to work with a Pediatric Neurologist. This is where his story gets lengthy… To summarize, lots of tests, doctors and loss of skills Garrett once mastered. With no diagnosis for Garrett, the road led us to The N.C. Children’s Hospital at Chapel Hill in August of 2007 for almost a week. Our pain for him only grew by not knowing the cause of his deterioration and from watching Garrett’s frustration as he got weaker each day. Various testing continued in search of a diagnosis as his condition worsened. Doctors prepared us for the inevitable outcome and we returned home knowing our son probably had only months to live. Finally, some blood work gave a name to what was happening to our son -- Batten Disease. Our hearts broke as we watched this disease take over our son. His abilities faded away: his digestive system broke down, his motor skills eroded and his sleep cycles became erratic. Garrett fought hard for his life until he finally lost his battle on Sunday, December 30, 2007. There was finally peace for him from his pain and suffering. Throughout the entire time, our family, friends and neighbors rose to the occasion and created a community of care around us, allowing us to spend Garrett’s last days loving him and holding on for as long as he could fight the battle. Garrett proved to be the strongest person I know. He endured the unthinkable and he was and will always be my sweet angel. |
| 8306 Lynnewood Glen Dr. Charlotte, NC 28269 Phone: 704-248-8761 info@garrettswings.org |
| Garrett's Wings provides comfort and non-medical care for terminally-ill children and their families while supporting and promoting research to cure Infantile NCL. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, enabling contributions of money, goods or services to be tax deductible for the contributor (please consult a tax specialist for advice on your particular situation.) The organization has no paid employees, so 100% of the contributions support the mission and efforts of Garrett's Wings. |
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Garrett Davis Campbell was born July 19,
2005, with a full head of dark hair and
perfect in every way. Garrett came into a
world with a father, uncle and two
Grandpas ready to teach him all about
2005, with a full head of dark hair and
perfect in every way. Garrett came into a
world with a father, uncle and two
Grandpas ready to teach him all about
football past and present (especially Penn State.) He was blessed
to have both Grandmas in his life to feed him with some good
home cooking as he grew. And for those of you that knew Garrett,
this was his favorite pastime! His sister, Hailee was curious about
this new little bundle that moved into our home. And of course, me,
his mother, there to love him unconditionally, keep him safe and
walk with him down the horrible path life handed him.
to have both Grandmas in his life to feed him with some good
home cooking as he grew. And for those of you that knew Garrett,
this was his favorite pastime! His sister, Hailee was curious about
this new little bundle that moved into our home. And of course, me,
his mother, there to love him unconditionally, keep him safe and
walk with him down the horrible path life handed him.
