Make-A-Wish brings Disney dreams to life for brave Ooltewah boy

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) – Inside Chattanooga Sewing Machines, the community came together to stitch a little magic for Cam, a young boy from Ooltewah who has been bravely battling visceral myopathy.

Cam has spent much of his young life in and out of hospitals.

He shared, “The longest time I’ve been in the hospital was 91 days.”

His parents explained that his condition has required multiple surgeries and hospital stays.

“He has visceral myopathy, so he doesn’t have the contractility of the bladder and other organs, like the gastrointestinal system and the urinary system. He had to go into the hospital for several surgeries. After spending 91 days in the hospital, he’s now been out for over a year,” they said.

On Saturday, Make-A-Wish East Tennessee partnered with Chattanooga Sewing Machines to surprise Cam with the news that he and his family are heading to Disney World.

The owner of Chattanooga Sewing Machines shared their heartfelt support, “We hope that this family has an amazing trip to Disney. We hope they make wonderful memories, and we wish them well, for their health, safety, and happiness in the future.”

Cam’s father expressed deep gratitude, “It just means a lot to us. With our day-to-day challenges, to have people in the community reach out and do something special for us, to just walk in and see people loving on our little boy. We’re so grateful.”

His mother added a message for other families facing similar struggles, “I think the number one thing is not to depend solely on yourself. Through prayers, our church community, our family, our friends, and most importantly God, that’s what’s gotten us here today.”

Cam’s parents say this has been an extremely long and exhausting journey, but they feel blessed by the love and support they’ve received.

Thanks to the kindness of the community, Cam and his family are heading to Disney World, proving once again that dreams really do come true.