Cam Baur
Cameron (Cam) Baur was just four-years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He battled hard for several months receiving chemotherapy and multiple blood products from Hoxworth donors. Despite being a real-life superhero while fighting cancer, the bad guys in disguise took Cam too soon. Watch or read more from his parents on why they honor their son with a memorial blood drive.
He was our real-life superhero.
Liz Baur Cam's Mom
Bryan and Liz Baur remember their son, Cam fondly. They choose to remember the best things about their son rather than the sudden way he died far too young in 2024.
“He was a typical boy, he loved being outside and going camping, riding his bike and playing with friends,” Liz says, “He loved dressing up in his superhero costume.”
‘Cam Strong’, His Battle with Cancer
Cam was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-Cell) in August of 2024. The first signs that something was wrong were bruises that wouldn’t go away. His parents were shocked by the discovery that would soon take over their lives.
Cam started chemotherapy and doctors monitored his platelet count closely. He would often receive platelet infusions thanks to Hoxworth donors. Donors like his mom.
“I’ve been a donor since I was 17 but I never truly understood the need until I was on the other side of it.”
Liz says she would notice a big change in his energy when his platelet count was normal after receiving an infusion. Despite spending more than a month in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and going through intense treatment, Cam hardly slowed down or showed signs of the disease.
“All the nurses loved Cam as a patient. They were always so shocked how well he was doing,” Bryan adds, “He always had a smile on his face. There’s something to be said, that boy is tough. And just a kind heart.”
About four months into his battle with cancer, this superhero got his angel wings. While his cancer was in remission, Cam got a rare fungal infection that spread through his entire body and ended up causing a stroke that damaged his entire left frontal lobe. After making every effort to save the unaffected parts left of Cameron's brain, the damage was simply too severe.
“I always think of him as happy, I don’t want to think of him as sick or I don’t want sadness when people think of Cam. Yes, it’s sad that he died so young but he also had a really great life. He blessed so many of us just by knowing him.”
Cam Baur Memorial Blood Drive with Hoxworth
The Baurs met several families at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital going through a similar situation. Through that bond, they want to give back to those families still fighting battles like Cam. They decided a blood drive with Hoxworth Blood Center was the perfect way to honor their son and give back to their community.
“Everybody wants to help their community. Sometimes we don’t have the financial means to do the things we love to do but this is something you can do for free. It does cost an hour of your time but that is such a small thing to save up to three lives.”
The Baurs are dedicated to blood donation and improving the community around them. They know while their son’s time on Earth is over, his legacy will live on through the people he touched with his infectious smile, his ability to dance through the tough times, and the way his parents approach life every day.
“Don’t take the ordinary days for granted, we would give anything for an ordinary day with him again.”
Did you know?
About 25% of the local blood supply goes to cancer patients. That means when you donate blood with Hoxworth, your blood goes to Cincinnati area hospitals to help cancer patients, trauma victims, and those undergoing surgery. You can save up to three lives with each donation. Join our league of #HoxworthHeroes today!