Kameron Brown Perry is a Kindergarten student at Swainsboro Primary School. Kam is different from your typical student. Kam was born with Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida is a disease of the spinal cord that leaves Kam without full use of his legs. Kam does not have full use of his lower body. He uses a wheelchair and crutches to assist with his mobility. This condition has limited Kam’s ability to move, but it has not limited his desire and will to live an every-day life. Kam has just completed his first year on the school’s wrestling team.
Kam’s journey began in 2017. Kam’s mother, Ms. Sherree Brown, was pregnant and went to a doctor’s visit where she would find out her baby’s gender. She left the visit with the devastating news that would alter her pregnancy and life. Ms. Brown was told her unborn baby had Spina Bifida. Ms. Brown said, “My initial reaction after hearing that my baby would have SB came as an absolute SHOCK and my heart was shattered.” She wondered if it was something she did. Ms. Brown didn’t know about Spina Bifida and immediately started re-searching to educate herself. She was somewhat relieved to find out there was nothing she did to contribute to the condition.
After that diagnosis, both mother and baby had to be monitored closely. Ms. Brown had to visit specialists in Statesboro and Savannah. During her research, she found out about a procedure called in-utero surgery. This surgery occurs while the baby is in the womb. It would not cure the Spina Bifida, but it could eliminate future complications. The surgery was risky, but Ms. Brown felt it was worth it. The surgery was performed at the University of North Carolina Medical Center. Ms. Brown spent three months in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and the surgery was successfully performed during her 24th week of pregnancy. Ms. Brown said she started getting homesick, and the doctors would only allow her to come home if she agreed to go to Savannah for weekly checkups.
After several weekly trips to Savannah, Kam was born on Nov. 6, 2017. He was born at 33 weeks and weighed 3 pounds and 14 ounces. On Thanksgiving Day 2017, they were allowed to go home. “Kam was actually a good baby and always had a big smile on his face no matter what adversity he had to face,” Ms. Brown said. “The first years were very hard because I didn’t have the support system like most people, but it got better over time.”
Kam has surpassed many of the milestones set for him. He attended speech therapy and finished ahead of time. Kam’s mother said all the things they said he couldn’t do, he is doing. Kam doesn’t wear glasses. His vision is 20/20. Kam continues to visit neurologists, neuro-surgeons, urologists, and other specialists in Savannah. He also has weekly physical therapy.
Kam began Kindergarten this year. One day after school, Kam came home with a brochure about wrestling. He said he wanted to wrestle. His mother asked him if he thought he could do it. Kam replied yes, and that was all she needed to hear. Without hesitation, she went to the school to sign him up. Ms. Brown had always taught Kam he could do whatever he wanted and that the word “can’t” was not part of his vocabulary.
Ms. Brown says everything went great with wrestling. The coaches and all the other wrestlers accepted Kam and treated him no differently than others. The coaches were great and worked with Kam one-on-one to teach him how to wrestle. Kam was excited and was ready to attend every practice and match. He didn't miss a practice and only had to miss one match. It took Kam only a short time to adjust and learn wrestling techniques. Kam says one of his favorite moves he likes doing is the half nelson. The first year of wrestling was both challenging and rewarding. Kam says he enjoys wrestling and wants to continue and wrestle with the big boys one day. Kam enjoys the competition and says he wants to play football next year.
Although he is small, Kam's upper body is developed. I asked him if he lifted weights be-cause of his solid, sturdy frame. His mother says he does pushups and has a lot of natural strength. That strength is enhanced by not having full use of his lower body. It helps him maneuver and undoubtedly is an asset in wrestling.
Kam enjoys school. He likes learning the alphabet and writing. He is currently learning his numbers and working on sight words. Kam is very articulate and well-spoken. He speaks clearly and is easy to understand. Kam is very respectful. He constantly says sir and ma’am. Kam was recently presented with the Character Kid award by his school. He said it was for perseverance.
No doubt Kam and his mother have persevered through a lot. Ms. Brown has overcome several challenges during her pregnancy and after the birth of her son. Those challenges will not end soon, but they are ready. Ms. Brown and Kam can serve as motivation and inspiration for all of us. Their journey can also assist and encourage other families dealing with a child with disabilities. Ms. Brown says she is always willing to help others deal with some of the things she has already experienced. I asked Ms. Brown if she could share a word of advice with other parents, what would it be? “The advice I would share with parents who have a child with a disability would be to keep your head up and put GOD first. He’s forever my son and a way maker and OUR miracle worker.” Kam is very motivated and determined. His mother has done an excellent job caring for and nurturing him without limiting his mind or body. It is obvious how much she loves him, and he loves her. Ms. Brown also has a 10-year-old daughter named Mackenzie Perry. Ms. Brown says Mackenzie willfully helps her and Kam. I have no doubt that Kam will be wrestling with the big boys one day. Kam will be doing many other things as well. Kam will do whatever he chooses, and his mother will be there supporting Kam Can.
Spina bifida is a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly. It's a type of neural tube defect. The neural tube is the structure in a developing embryo that later becomes the baby's brain and spinal cord and the tissues that enclose them. Each year, about 1,427 babies are born with spina bifida, or 1 in every 2,758 births.
Typically, the neural tube forms early in pregnancy and closes by the 28th day after conception. In babies with spina bifida, a portion of the neural tube doesn't close all the way. This affects the spinal cord and bones of the spine.
Spina bifida can range from being mild to causing serious disabilities. Symptoms depend on where on the spine the opening is located and how big it is. Symptoms also depend on whether the spinal cord and nerves are involved. When necessary, early treatment for spina bifida involves surgery. However, surgery doesn't always completely restore lost function.
