CAMAS, Wash. — Friends and local business owners are helping a Camas family make the most of the time they have left with their little boy.
Doctors diagnosed 4-year-old Camden Linton with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a kind of inoperable brain tumor. His first symptoms were dizzy spells and trouble speaking. Doctors gave him nine months to a year to live.
“The diagnosis wasn't what we thought it was going to be,” said Camden's dad, Jeff Linton.
Linton works for Georgia Pacific at the Camas paper mill. Camden’s mom, Erin Linton, is the librarian at Grass Valley Elementary School. Neither one of them is focused on work, right now.
“Our hope is to take the next little bit of time we have left with Camden and make the most out of it,” said Jeff Linton. “We're going to have a lot of firsts and lasts, with Camden.”
Spending those last days together as a family won’t be easy on the Lintons, financially. It’s why friends and local businesses put on a kids carnival and silent auction fundraiser in downtown Camas on Monday.
Every penny donated will go to the Lintons. Natalia's Cafe hosted the event.
“It touched my heart instantly,” said cafe owner, Erica Slothower. She doesn't know the Lintons personally, but that didn't matter to her.
“The main idea here is to show community,” said Slothower.
Friends hope support raised for the Lintons will help them prioritize their time and energy for Camden.
“I want them to feel loved,” said Kristen Gardiner. “I want them to feel supported in the things that they need so they can focus on Camden and not be distracted by some of the financial burdens that are coming their way.”
Jeff Linton said he appreciates everything the community has done.
“We've been surrounded by prayers and faith, love and support,” he said. “It's pretty amazing, we live in a great city.”
Those interested in supporting the Linton family can make a donation through their GoFundMe account.
Camden was scheduled to start radiation therapy on Thursday. Doctors hope it will shrink the tumor enough to improve the quality of life he has left.