Field Trip Becomes Special Surprise for Cameron Mother
By: Sarah Hatten
Updated: March 23, 2013
(CAMERON, Mo.) Parents raising a child with special needs face unique challenges all the time.
But, a family in Cameron says while sometimes challenging, their 12-year-old son is more of a blessing than they could have ever imagined.
When Amy McVicker came home from work on Thursday, she didn't expect the greeting she received from her children.
"They surprised me with flowers. My favorites. It was wonderful," she said.
A special moment that left McVicker cradling her son, Aiden, who was born with a rare condition called bilateral anopthalmia.
"He was born without eyes, completely. He has no optic nerve, no eyeball so there's not any chance of him ever getting implants to where he could see," said Amy.
Part of Aiden's home-school education is community outreach, like taking field trips to local businesses in Cameron.
On Thursday, teacher and dad, Jamey, took Aiden and his sisters, to find a surprise for mom at Angel Wing's.
"He's such a great kid, and so easygoing, he knows if the family enjoys it, he'll take one for the team," Jamey McVicker said.
Since Aiden's other senses are impaired, he has a heightened sense of smell, so a trip to the flower shop means more to him than most.
And even though he's the one learning life skills, he's also teaching them.
"He has shaped us as people. I think he's going to help shape his sisters as they grow and have to go through experiences with him," said Amy.
"Aiden is food for the soul. He makes everybody smile and laugh," said Jamey.
Laughing often himself, the family says Aiden brings joy to everyone he meets.
"He has an angelic quality. You see him, or you hear him giggle or see him smile and you can see that he was put in this world for a reason. We're very blessed. He has blessed us by being part of our lives," said Amy.
A mother, blessed with a life full of surprises.
Every year, the McVickers host a golf tournament, "Aces for Aiden," to raise money for families that have children with similar needs.
Jamey McVicker is a firefighter in St. Joseph and says the firefighters have been a big help with Aiden and the tournament.
Aces for Aiden will be held May 4th at the Cameron Veterans Memorial Golf Course. Last year, the tournament raised more than $15,000.
You can donate to Aiden's charity by visiting this website.
But, a family in Cameron says while sometimes challenging, their 12-year-old son is more of a blessing than they could have ever imagined.
When Amy McVicker came home from work on Thursday, she didn't expect the greeting she received from her children.
"They surprised me with flowers. My favorites. It was wonderful," she said.
A special moment that left McVicker cradling her son, Aiden, who was born with a rare condition called bilateral anopthalmia.
"He was born without eyes, completely. He has no optic nerve, no eyeball so there's not any chance of him ever getting implants to where he could see," said Amy.
Part of Aiden's home-school education is community outreach, like taking field trips to local businesses in Cameron.
On Thursday, teacher and dad, Jamey, took Aiden and his sisters, to find a surprise for mom at Angel Wing's.
"He's such a great kid, and so easygoing, he knows if the family enjoys it, he'll take one for the team," Jamey McVicker said.
Since Aiden's other senses are impaired, he has a heightened sense of smell, so a trip to the flower shop means more to him than most.
And even though he's the one learning life skills, he's also teaching them.
"He has shaped us as people. I think he's going to help shape his sisters as they grow and have to go through experiences with him," said Amy.
"Aiden is food for the soul. He makes everybody smile and laugh," said Jamey.
Laughing often himself, the family says Aiden brings joy to everyone he meets.
"He has an angelic quality. You see him, or you hear him giggle or see him smile and you can see that he was put in this world for a reason. We're very blessed. He has blessed us by being part of our lives," said Amy.
A mother, blessed with a life full of surprises.
Every year, the McVickers host a golf tournament, "Aces for Aiden," to raise money for families that have children with similar needs.
Jamey McVicker is a firefighter in St. Joseph and says the firefighters have been a big help with Aiden and the tournament.
Aces for Aiden will be held May 4th at the Cameron Veterans Memorial Golf Course. Last year, the tournament raised more than $15,000.
You can donate to Aiden's charity by visiting this website.
