Cameron Strobel of Murrieta is just like any typical 4-year-old girl. She likes playing with her toys, visiting with friends and, most of all, visiting her neighborhood playground.
However, Cameron has been battling Leukemia since February and playing with toys, friends and trips to the playground have become secondary to tests, hospital visits and chemotherapy treatments.
“Because of her being so sick, she hasn’t been able to do a lot of things a 4-year-old gets to do,” said Cameron’s Mom, Kristy. That includes visiting a park.
“With her immunity being so low, it could be dangerous taking her to a public park,” said Mike, Cameron’s father.
That all changed Saturday when Make-A-Wish Foundation granted Cameron’s wish for a playground.
“This was a very special wish,” said Wish Granter Jennifer Cabrodi. “This was a chance to grant a wish she will use every day.”
Kristy and Mike agreed.
“We used to be able to see the park from our house. We couldn’t take a walk, or drive by without Cameron asking to play,” said Mike.
“She hasn’t been to a playground since her diagnosis,” said Kristy. “The look on her face says it all."
After the reveal, Cameron had trouble comprehending it was all for her, asking her mother when she could play. Cameron may have missed the playground, but it was the swings that kept her smiling.
Cameron’s new playground included a rock-climbing wall, swings and a lemonade stand. Sod donated by Quality Turf and irrigation and orange trees donated by Pyramid Landscaping completed Cameron’s wish.
A recent move, the new playground and Cameron’s leukemia shifting to a maintenance stage gave the day a sense of new beginnings.
Cameron herself captured the moment most eloquently.
“This is the best day ever,” she said.
