MILDRED ELLEY HOSTS BOOKRAISING EVENT
TO SUPPORT PROJECT: CAMERON’S STORY

Books will be donated to Neonatal Intensive Care Units at local hospitals

February 2, 2012 (Albany, NY) – Mildred Elley’s Albany campus is hosting a bookraising event throughout the month of February to support Project: Cameron’s Story. The goal of Project: Cameron's Story is to support the bonding of parents with their premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), through the use of children's literature and storytelling.

Project: Cameron’s Story strives to empower parents to form unique and profound connections with their babies within an environment that is often uncertain and intimidating. Its mission is to place a brand new, quality children's book in the hands of every parent of a premature baby upon admission to the NICU at Albany Medical Center, St. Peter's Hospital and Crouse Hospital.  

“We are so pleased to partner with Project: Cameron’s Story in this amazing effort,” explains Jennifer Butler, Mildred Elley Instructor and bookraising coordinator. “This is Mildred Elley’s second year participating in the book drive. It is just one small way for us to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of these parents and their precious newborns.”

Details about the collection:
Mildred Elley is collecting books in the 2nd floor faculty lounge of the Albany campus until February 20. Because the books will be used in the NICU (which is a sterile environment) they must be BRAND NEW and should be handled as LITTLE as possible. Project Cameron’s Story requests books that are appropriate for ages 4 and up. These types of books allow parents to bond with their babies by reading to them for ten to fifteen minute time periods.

Cameron’s Story:
On February 16th, 2009, Sara Blackman Quartiers gave birth to Cameron Jace Quartiers.  He was 16 weeks premature, weighed 530 grams (equivalent to just under 1 lb. 3 oz.), and was just 10.2 inches long. Doctors said Cameron would probably not make it through the delivery, but he did. They said he probably would not survive his first 48 hours, but he did.

When he had heart surgery at less than 3 weeks of age, the surgeon told Cameron’s parents that he probably would not make it through the procedure, but he did. For months, Cameron struggled with severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) and was also given a secondary diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension.  Doctors told Cameron’s family that they might never get to take him home but after 213 days in the NICU/PICU they did. After a short time at home, Cameron was readmitted to the PICU. Cameron passed away on October 20, 2009.  

Cameron’s family has named their foundation, “Project: Cameron’s Story” for 2 reasons:
1)    Reading and storytelling had a powerful impact in helping Cameron’s family bond with him and assisted with Cameron’s development.  
2)    Despite the fact that Cameron never spoke a single word, it became clear to his family that Cameron had a story to tell….a story of strength, hope, and love. His parents, his family, and his supporters are blessed with the responsibility of sharing his story.

For more information about Project: Cameron’s Story visit www.projectcameronsstory.com.

OPPORTUNITY FOR COVERAGE: To arrange for an interview with Jennifer Butler our Bookraising Coordinator, please contact Deanna Cohen, Director of Government and Public Relations at 518-786-0855, extension 1431 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Empire Education Corporation owns and operates Mildred Elley-Albany, NY, Mildred Elley-New York, NY, Mildred Elley-Pittsfield, MA, and Austin’s School of Spa Technology-Albany, NY.  Mildred Elley has been educating the Capital District for over 90 years and Pittsfield, MA for over 20 years.  Initially, Mildred Elley was an all-female school, but is now coeducational and teaching women and men the most highly desired career fields in business and technology, digital media arts, and health and wellness. Austin’s School of Spa Technology (formerly, Austin Beauty School) has been educating beauty professionals in the Capital District for over 80 years. Its programs include cosmetology, barbering, esthetics and nail technology.   For program details and disclosures visit www.mildred-elley.edu/disclosures.

Empire Education Corporation owns and operates Mildred Elley-Albany, NY, Mildred Elley-New York, NY, Mildred Elley-Pittsfield, MA, and Austin’s School of Spa Technology-Albany, NY. Mildred Elley has been educating the Capital District for over 90 years and Pittsfield, MA for over 20 years. Initially, Mildred Elley was an all-female school, but is now coeducational and teaching women and men the most highly desired career fields in business and technology, digital media arts, and health and wellness. Austin’s School of Spa Technology (formerly, Austin Beauty School) has been educating beauty professionals in the Capital District for over 80 years. Its programs include cosmetology, barbering, esthetics and nail technology. For program details and disclosures visit www.mildred-elley.edu/disclosures.