KATE STICKLES By KATE STICKLES

Books for babies: PEF’s staff union hosting book drive for Project: Cameron’s StoryJanuary 30, 2025 — “Before I could hold him, before I could touch him, I read to him …”

When Cameron Jace Quartiers was born in February 2009, he weighed only 530 grams and was 10.2 inches long. His parents were unable to hold him for the first several weeks of life and struggled to find ways to bond with him.

Enter books.

Cameron’s parents read to him throughout his 213 days in the NICU/PICU, building a bond with their baby through the power of words. Cameron sadly passed away later that year, but his family founded “Project: Cameron’s Story” to share his story of strength, hope, and love, and to support other families as they bond with their premature babies.

“We strive to empower parents to form unique and profound connections with their babies within an environment that is often uncertain and intimidating,” Cameron’s parents wrote on their website. “Our 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.”

The Women’s Committee of PEF’s staff union, USW Local 9265, is hosting a book raiser now through February 19, which will help Project: Cameron’s Story deliver books to hospitals across the state. This is the Committee’s second year participating. You can order books on Amazon and have them shipped to the charity here or you can participate by filling out the Scholastic/Book Outlet Book Order Form.

Any questions can be directed to mchadwick@pef.org.