Supporting teen with spastic cerebral palsy

LOGAN - Living with a disability can be very challenging and taking care of a disabled teenager is a huge responsibility.

Nobody knows this more than Mandy Saxton. Her son, Cameron, 17, has infant quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy, a disease he has had since birth.

Doctors said people with the disease have the inability to use their legs, arms and body. It is generally caused by brain damage before, during or shortly after birth, according to cerebralpalsyguidance.com.

However, Saxton said her son is a gift from God and has already reached several milestones in his life.

"When Cameron was first born, doctors said he would never be able to laugh, walk, talk and he'd be a vegetable. I said no! He's going to prove you all wrong," Saxon shared. "He has beat all odds. He walks in a walker, he laughs, he smiles, and he talks but kind of babbles."

Saxton explained that a day with Cameron is very entertaining and fun. Every morning she gets him up, and feeds him breakfast through a feeding tube (he's had it for 12 years). Cameron has to be lifted multiple times to get changed, bathed and so on.

"Everyday is a challenge but it's all worth it," Saxton explained.

"We go to Schultz Physical Therapy and they are phenomenal. I have seen a big improvement since he has been there," she added. "They are loving and they care. They work hard to improve his life."

Cameron will be a senior this year at Logan High School and Saxton is excited for him to graduate, as it will be a big accomplishment.

"My goal for him for graduation is to walk to get his diploma. He's going to do it! He's going to walk in his walker!" Saxton noted.

Cameron can communicate using eye gazing. With his eyes, he can respond to yes or no questions, he can say hello to people, tell his mom he's hungry and many other options, according to Saxton.

Last week the Saxton family experienced something new, as a fundraiser was held in Cameron's honor, a bike night, set up through the Chrome Angelz R.C. Handlebar Honeyz, a female motorcycle group that does charity work. The event raised close to $500 to help the family.

The president of organization, Annisa Evans, said she used to be an aide at Union Furnace Elementary where she took care of Cameron.

"He was always smiling and cheerful. To this day he is full of smiles and cheers everyone one up," Evans noted. "Over the years I can tell he tries to communicate more and he understands everything you say!"

Evans said she has always wanted to help Cameron and now she can.

"With Chrome Angelz RC HandleBar Honeyz, we are in a good position to help so we decided to adopt him as a regular charity," Evans explained.

Evans said they hope to do about two to three fundraisers a year for Cameron.

Saxton said two things Cameron needs everyday are diapers, size medium, and vanilla Ensure.

"He goes through a lot in one day," Saxton continued. "We have to have it to keep him healthy. He cannot have anything by mouth. He can't chew and he can't swallow. Everything has to be poured through the tube."

Cameron enjoys watching the Ohio State Buckeyes, loves football and cooking shows, especially The Pioneer Woman.

Saxton also has a daughter, Abigail, 13. Her boyfriend, James Howard is also disabled after having a tumor removed from his spinal cord.

"James has really stepped up with my son with special needs," Saxton shared.

Those wishing to help Cameron should contact Evans at 740-216-8927.