My son, Camden, was born an athlete. You name it—basketball, football, skiing, golf, tennis…
Then, one day, he started having this recurring pain in his knee. We assumed it was some sort of injury or an issue with a ligament or muscle. But the pain didn’t go away, so we got a diagnosis.
You never forget the moment they say the word, “cancer.”
In Camden’s case, they called it, “osteosarcoma.” They said it was the most common type of bone cancer among kids and young adults. They also said part of Camden’s leg would need to be amputated.
Then, we went to Dana-Farber.
The team quickly came up with a plan that involved chemotherapy and something called “rotationplasty.” Essentially, a procedure that preserved the cancer-free part of his lower leg and foot—and converted his ankle into a knee joint. Science is truly miraculous.
Just 18 months after the initial diagnosis, Camden was cancer-free—and he was back on the high school football team—playing quarterback. On the first play of his first game, Camden dropped way back and threw a 40-yard Hail Mary pass. Touchdown. Metaphor? Perhaps.
As an athlete, Camden has always understood the power of a strong team. A truth that was never made more clear than when he watched his Dana-Farber team in action. They are truly world champions. And for that, our family will always be grateful.
— Chris Bailey, father of Camden Bailey