Flagler County, FL - A 9-year-old Palm Coast boy who's been fight brain cancer for 6 years was recently sworn in as an honorary deputy at the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. He and his mom also got a tour of the Sheriff's Operations Center.
On Wednesday, January 11, FCSO's newest and youngest deputy, Cameron Fulling, got to meet Sheriff Rick Staly, experience a firearms simulator, hold a SWAT team weapon, put on a SWAT vest, and he even got to climb into an armored FCSO SWAT vehicle. The tour was organized by FCSO courthouse deputy Donald Brock, who's a close friend of the family. "He's been through a lot. He's a good kid," said Brock.
The Fulling family has spent the last 6 years battling Cameron's brain cancer, which was diagnosed just before he turned 4. He had brain surgery in March of 2010 to have the 1st tumor removed, but since then, the cancer keeps reoccurring. He's undergone multiple surgeries since then, chemotherapy, and over 50 radiation treatments.
Just days ago Cameron and his family learned he's developed yet another tumor that's penetrating his brain. His doctors are looking for options. "He's a trooper. He does everything the doctors ask him to do," said Brock, whose wife Melissa tutors Cameron.
After showing Cameron around his office and letting the boy sit at his desk and try on his hat, Sheriff Staly had this to say: “I’m happy to meet and spend time with this young man and make him an honorary deputy. It is very tragic for any child to have to battle with this horrible disease. Cameron is a real fighter and today I am proud to make him a part of my crimefighting team.”
According to Brock, Cameron's been adopted by all the local fire departments too. On Cameron's birthday last year he got a full firefighter's uniform. Cameron's mom said the 9-year-old might "be on the fence" about where his loyalties lie... with the Fire Department? Or maybe the Sheriff's Office now.
Cameron's been getting treatment at St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis, TN. The family's been getting help through fundraisers and insurance, but they're still racking up huge medical bills and travel expenses. Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe page to help them pay for the treatment that Cameron needs. To contribute click here. To learn more go to the Team Cameron Facebook page.
(Cameron with Sheriff Staly at his desk)
(Deputy Brock with Cameron at the airport)
(Deputy Paul DeSousa with Cameron)
Photos courtesy FCSO. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2016.
