Cameron Makai VanderJagt

Cameron Makai VanderJagt was a cheerful child who charmed people with his infectious smile and his courageous heart. Determined and compassionate, he was always concerned for the welfare of others. He knew how things were supposed to be done and he always made sure they were done right. Though his challenges seemed to grow every day, his spirit never wavered and he was an inspiration to us all.

Like many other expectant parents, Maria and Boo eagerly awaited the birth of their child and were overjoyed when their son arrived. They call him their "precious little angel" and feel truly blessed to have him in their lives. Cameron was such a beautiful baby and the joy that he possessed was contagious to those around him. He had a peaceful disposition right from the start and smiled at everyone he saw. He sat up at 4 months, was crawling by 9 months, and started walking at 18 months.

When Cameron was two years old, he was diagnosed with Alexanders Disease, an extremely rare degenerative disorder affecting the nerves of his brain. Though the prognosis was not good, the family found comfort in the extraordinary care he received from an enormous amount of people and his never-ending ability to communicate his needs and show affection. Even as his body grew tired, his personality never dimmed and he always lit up the room.

Cameron enjoyed spending time with his extended family and loved to play with his brother Kyler. Cam was also keenly aware of Kyler's tendency to get into trouble and would alert everyone when Kyler was not where he was supposed to be or was doing what he wasn't supposed to do. It seemed sometimes that Cam knew what was going through Kyler's mind and he never stopped being his "brother's keeper."

Cameron was also acutely aware of his surroundings and was very meticulous. He always noticed anything out of place - whether it was crumbs on the floor, a door not shut, or the tiniest fuzz on your sweater. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to goof around with everybody, especially his dad. He loved Veggie Tales, unloading the dishwasher, and piggyback rides from Grandma. Cameron was also captivated by music and could often be found humming along to songs or creating his own on his "play" piano, one of his favorite toys. He loved the Barney theme song and would clap his hands whenever it came on. There was much time spent on Grandpa's lap listening to songs on the computer.

Though Cameron was a peaceful child with a humble and loving demeanor, the one thing that could always change that was bath time. He did not like to take baths and always tried his best to get out of them. Cameron was not a difficult child and always wanted to please. His unique personality enriched the lives of all who knew him.

Aside from his many activities at home, Cameron was also very busy at Ken-O-Sha, where he attended preschool. He adored school and in particular loved riding the tricycle and watching the fish. He had a special bond with each and every staff member. He enjoyed time spent with his special classmates and gave his all in everything he did. This past July, Cam was granted a trip to Disney World by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was thrilled to meet Barney and Mickey in particular and the trip highlighted one of the best weeks of his life.

Cameron's determination never left him and even when his health deteriorated, he persevered. During recent months, after he lost the ability to walk and talk, he continued to communicate through his big brown eyes, his pointer finger, and of course his unforgettable smile.

Cameron Makai VanderJagt was a brave boy who was more aware of the needs of others then the pains and discomforts associated with his disease. We cannot help but believe that the love of God rested on his heart and life and that it was that divine love that rescued him from the ravages of Alexander's Disease. Cam taught those around him that it is better to give love sacrificially than to take love selfishly. He will be remembered for his courage, his kindness, and for the way he seemed to fill the emptiness of our lives. We are comforted in knowing that he is now being loved with the love which he demonstrated to us. The music of heaven is now his to play and to join. Death is swallowed up in victory.

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

VanderJagt - Our precious little Angel, Cameron Makai VanderJagt, born July 25, 2002, went Home to his Jesus March 19, 2007 and is at peace after a courageous fight against Alexander's Disease. He is survived by his parents Maria VanderJagt and Ricardo "Boo" Thomas; siblings Kyler VanderJagt and KeiAsia Johnson; grandparents Peter and Robin VanderJagt, Charles and Thressa Shaw, Ricky Gillon; aunts Jennie "TT" (Kevin) Mulder and Evelyn "Cocoa" (Cedric) Thomas; uncles Joe (Molli) VanderJagt, Ben VanderJagt, and Gabe VanderJagt; great-grandparents Stacy and VanderStel, great-grandma Brown, great-great-grandma Lockridge; also godparents Parnell and Felicia White and godbrothers, P.J. and Avery White; many relatives, cousins and dear friends, including Kate "Kake" Scheid who showed unconditional lifelong love. The family wishes to give a special thanks to the circle of professionals that cared tremendously for him including the many specialists involved in his care and the staff at Ken-O-Sha school. Cam was also shown much love by all those who "adopted" him into their families. If you wish to join Cameron's family to grieve their loss and celebrate his gain, visitation will be on Friday from 2-4 and 6-9 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW. The memorial service will be held on Saturday at Keystone Community Church at 12 noon. Contributions in Cameron's memory may be made to Ken-O-Sha - Wellerwood Early Childhood Center or the United Leukodystrophy Foundation. To read Cameron's life story, archive a memory or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.