Murrieta Girl Battling Leukemia Named ‘Honored Hero’

News release:

Cameron Strobel, a 4-year-old Murrieta girl, has been named an Honored Hero for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) upcoming annual Light The Night® Walk on Friday, Nov. 8 at Petco Park in San Diego.

Cameron, diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), will be honored at the 15th annual two-mile walk that brings together thousands of individuals to raise funds for blood cancer research and patient services.

“Cameron was an extremely healthy baby and toddler with a strong immune system. So when she was diagnosed with ALL, we were in complete shock and thought it must have been a mistake. Our lives came to a complete halt and it was the worst experience that any family could ever imagine,” said Cameron’s father, Mike Strobel.

“Seeing your daughter lose her hair, her energy, her smiles and her ability to walk or even hold a spoon at times was just heartbreaking. We have seen so much generosity from strangers, friends and family. It’s the generosity that comes from people that we don’t even know that always takes us back. This year, we’re not only looking to raise more than $10,000, but we invite anyone to participate on our team and walk with Cameron on a night that’s dedicated to her.”

On Valentine’s Day 2012, Cameron’s parents, Mike and Kristy, put their two daughters to bed, opened a bottle of champagne, and just as they were about to toast to Kristy’s last night before returning to work from maternity leave, they heard screams coming from Cameron’s room. She was crying, sweating profusely, dry heaving and had a fever.

Her parents kept a close eye on her that evening and next day, and while she appeared to be feeling better, Kristy felt that Cameron just didn’t look right. She immediately took Cameron to her pediatrician who, because of her experience seeing so many young cancer patients, ordered a blood test.

The next morning, the doctor called and conveyed that Cameron’s platelets weren’t normal and something was attacking her blood. Kristy immediately brought Cameron back to the doctor’s office to discuss the results and possibilities.

On Feb. 17, 2012 Cameron was admitted to Rady Children’s Hospital Hematology Oncology Ward and on Feb. 22, 2012 they received the worst news they could have ever imagined. Cameron was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She had a portacath inserted instantly and chemotherapy started that evening.

After 30 days at Rady’s, Cameron was able to return home.

However, her treatments haven’t stopped.

Today, Cameron is in the “maintenance phase” and goes to the hospital once a month for chemotherapy in her port, once every three months for chemotherapy in her spine and she receives an oral chemotherapy pill at home every night.

In addition, she’s on steroids for five days of every month, which her parents say has been the hardest part because it causes Cameron to become angry, hungry, results in extreme ear sensitivity and gives her temporary obsessive compulsive disorder among the many other negative side effects. Cameron’s parents compare it to roulette because you never know what you’re going to get with the steroids. 

If all continues to go well, Cameron should be completely done with treatment in April 2014.

In November, walkers will join together in twilight holding illuminated balloons – white for survivors, red for supporters and gold to remember those lost to cancer. In addition to the Walk, the evening’s festivities will include music, food and family activities.

“The Strobels have been very involved with LLS participating in both Team in Training and the Walk,” said Joanna Winsborough, senior campaign manager for the Light The Night Walk in San Diego. “Cameron is truly a hero and we admire her for all she has gone through and her strength. We couldn’t be more proud of what she has overcome and that the finish line is less than 10 months away. We know Cameron is looking forward to this year’s Walk and we hope everyone will be able to come out and support her on November 8.”

Individuals can donate to Cameron’s fundraising goal or sign up to join Team Cameron. For more information on this year’s event, visit www.lightthenight.org/sd/. 

Ashe Valadez, 6, a Temecula Valley Charter School student, has also been named an Honored Hero for the event. Read his story by clicking here.