PROJECT: CAMERON'S STORY
"Before I could touch him, before I could hold him,
I read to him"
Mission Statement:
“The goal of Project Cameron's Story is to support the
bonding of parents with their premature babies in the
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), through the use of
children's literature and storytelling. We strive to empower
parents to form unique and profound connections with their
babies within an environment that is often uncertain and
intimidating. Our mission is to place a brand new, quality,
children's book in the hands of every parent of a premature
baby upon admission to the NICU's at Albany Medical Center,
St. Peter's Hospital and Crouse Medical Center.  We, at
Project Cameron's Story, are committed to providing
information regarding the benefits of this type of bonding and
continue to seek ways to encourage parents to utilize this as
one important way to interact with their new little one.”

Details:
The first time I ever walked into the NICU to see my baby,
he looked so fragile.  I was a very scared mom.  For a short
while, I could scarcely touch him due to the doctors and
nurses wanting to keep a “womb-like” environment.  Then while
he was on the special ventilator, I was unable to hold him.  
For those first few days, I went every day to the NICU and
just sat quietly staring at him for hours and hours. I finally
decided I needed to find a way to bond with this beautiful
little boy so I bought some picture books with lots of words
in them – and I just sat with the incubator door open and
read.  I read, and read, and read, and read.  After I became
comfortable talking so much with a scripted message (the
book), I began verbally telling stories…and then just having
full out conversations with him.  The payoff?  Cameron and I
created the closest bond two people can ever have. No matter
where I was in a crowded room, if Cameron could hear my
voice, he would turn his head and look all over just to find me.  
And right to the very end, I read and talked and told stories
to Cam…those are some of the finest moments of my life…  

The books donated will be given to parents in the NICU.  So,
when a scared new mom enters the NICU to see her baby for
the very first time…there, sitting on the incubator, will be a
beautiful new children’s book for her to have and read to her
baby and eventually take home.  It is my greatest hope that
others can be helped by Cameron’s story, that they can develop
new and powerful ways to bond with their babies.  I like to
believe that we tried desperately to give Cameron a chance.  
There are other babies who deserve that opportunity too.
Maybe, in some small way this gesture can help other families
in similar situations.
Counter
Some of Cameron's Favorite Stories:

  • Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
  • Stellaluna
  • Love You Forever
  • Harry and the Lady Next Door
  • The Mitten
  • Where the Wild Things Are
  • Danny and The Dinosaur
  • The Giant Jam Sandwich
  • The Poky Little Puppy
  • The Little Engine that Could
  • The Gingerbread Man
  • Rainbow Fish