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| Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott Mariah Cameron, 11, the daughter of Ann Pelletier and Bruce Cameron of Caribou, was recently presented with a check for $100 and named The Cubby’s Hero of the Month for January. With Mariah, who was born with spinal muscular atrophy, type II, is Cindy Johnson, owner of The Cubby, with locations in Caribou and Presque Isle. |
By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
At age 11, Mariah Cameron’s favorite foods include french fries, tacos, pizza and the occasional Big Mac, very similar to the preferred cuisine of many youth. She also enjoys reading, considers math to be her favorite school subject and of course she especially likes spending time on her computer and cell phone. She is a bright, personable young lady and according to her mom, “she is a happy kid.”
Recently Mariah, the daughter of Ann Pelletier and Bruce Cameron of Caribou, was named The Cubby’s January Hero, taking into consideration that the young lady was born with spinal muscular atrophy, type II, a rare genetic disease that results in muscle and spinal deterioration.
“She was born with this condition,” said Ann Pelletier, “and she has been in a wheelchair since she was 18 months old, but she just takes everything in stride, she is most always in very high spirits and doesn’t let things bother her. She really handles everything well. It is stressful at times but since she was born with this condition I’m used to it and we just face every day doing things the way they need to be done and we make out just fine.”
There is no treatment/cure for spinal muscular atrophy type II, but Mariah has been under doctors’ care in a number of hospitals including New Jersey, Portland, the Shriner’s Children Hospital and Boston’s Children Hospital. During her medical visits to physician/specialists in these hospitals, she has and continues to be monitored for heart function and sleep studies among other concerns.
As this condition also breaks down the body’s immune system, Mariah is at high risk to develop pneumonia and according to her mother it’s not unusual for her to be hospitalized with pneumonia at least twice a year. As a precaution against pneumonia, Mariah doesn’t go outside very often during the winter months, but continues her schooling by having a staff member from the Circle of Learning Center come to her home. She also receives regular in-home physical and occupational therapy.
On the local level Mariah is seen by “her favorite,” Dr. Renee Fournier. “They are all really good there,” stated Ann Pelletier. Recently the young lady also took possession of a brand new wheelchair (the family works with Steve Clark at Acadia Homecare). This new vehicle came equipped with headlights, taillights and according to Mariah can go pretty fast.
Mariah has two older siblings, brother Tyler Pelletier and sister Brooke Cameron.
Cindy Johnson, who with her husband Chris are the owners of The Cubby locations in Caribou and Presque Isle, stated, “Mariah is a wonderful young lady who was first brought to our attention by her case worker.” For being named The Cubby Hero for January Mariah received a check for $100 from Johnson.
“We realize there are other amazing youth in the County who qualify for our Hero Program and we encourage parents, teachers, relatives and friends to stop by The Cubby and fill out a Hero nomination form on behalf of a child they know of who has a chronic or life-threatening illness.”
