ORLANDO SPEEDWORLD HOSTS FIREFIGHTERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS | By Dave Westerman
Friday night will be a very special evening at Orlando Speedworld as the track will host a large group of local area firefighters, rangers and law enforcement officers who will be in attendance supporting one of their own, Orange County firefighter Stephen Kibler.
Like most parents, Stephen and Jannae Kibler experienced the happiest day of their lives when their only son, Camden, was born on February 28, 2008. Camden came into this world as a beautiful, healthy baby boy.
At less than 2 months old, Camden's eyes began to develop tumors. The family was referred to a specialist in Miami where Camden was diagnosed with Juvenile Xanthogranuloma (JXG). Camden began receiving injections in his eyes in hopes of reducing the tumors and saving him from the permanent damage, including blindness, which can come as a result of JXG. On July 21, 2008 one week before his five-month birthday, as the family was still trying to understand JXG, doctors told Jannae and Stephen that they were unsure if the initial diagnosis was correct and that Camden's current diagnosis is leukemia. Camden had a very rare and aggressive form of leukemia, Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML), causing tumors to form on major organs in a matter of days. His doctors fought this aggressive disease with equally aggressive chemotherapy treatments every 12 hours. Since this form of leukemia is so rare, doctors were unable to give the Kibler family a prognosis. Although Camden fought hard and even smiled through his chemotherapy treatments, his small body was unable to fight the side effects of these intense treatments. Camden lost his battle with leukemia on Tuesday, August 5th in the arms of his loving parents.
Over the past few weeks, family members, friends, and well-wishers all over Central Florida and the United States, have been following Camdens progress on his website, www.CamdensJourney.com. In his short time with us, Camden was able to bring a community together, give us hope, and remind us that there is no such thing as too many I love yous In order to care for their son, Jannae left her job as a graphic designer and the family had to set up residence in Camden's hospital room at Orlando Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Throughout their ordeal, Stephen has continued to proudly serve the community as a 2nd year Orange County Firefighter. His job provides medical insurance for the family, however the costs of Camdens care have exceeded their insurance coverage and have brought the family unbearable medical expenses. An account has also been set up to help the Kibler family with the overwhelming medical bills not covered by their insurance, as well as any other expenses they may have during this ordeal. Donations can be made in Camden Kibler's name at any SunTrust bank location. Please show your support of this family by coming out to Orlando Speedworld on Friday evening and keep the Kiblers in your thoughts and prayers.
It will be a full night of racing action featuring the Super Late Models, Modifieds, Legend Cars, Sportsman, Mini Stocks, Super Stocks, Bandoleros and Action Gator Tire Strictly Stocks Admission is $10 per adult and children 11 and under are free with paid adult admission. Admission is also free for all Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers (with proper department ID). Each Firefighter and Law Enforcement Officer may bring 4 additional guests who can enter for free as well. All of the individuals on the staff of Orlando Speedworld's Safety Crew are local area firefighters and EMT's, and many work for the Orange County Fire Department.
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