"Inspired to fight cancer:" 12-year-old makes care packages for chemo patients



WAUKESHA (WITI) -- A 12-year-old boy watched his grandfather battle and succumb to cancer, and that inspired him to take action to help others affected by such a terrible disease.

Cameron Gensler says his grandfather was his best buddy.

"He was a guy that lived life to the fullest and he was really happy," Gensler said.

"They fished, they golfed, they played baseball, and he took him on trips -- so they were just real close," Cameron's mother Jamie Gensler said.

In August of 2012, Cameron's grandfather was diagnosed with stage four cancer and about 10 months later, he lost his life.

"He was 10 at the time and he looked at me and said 'you know what Mom, it's okay. Some kids only get to see their grandpa at Christmas but I got to see mine everyday of my life, so it's okay. He won't have to suffer anymore,'" Jamie Gensler said.

For months, Cameron watched his grandfather go through the agony of chemotherapy. That's when he decided he wanted to help others facing cancer.

"He started thinking about items that comforted grandpa," Jamie Gensler said.

"We would bring him these items like chapstick, and fuzzy socks, gloves, jolly ranchers," Cameron Gensler said.

Cameron began fundraising to fill bags with products that help with the side effects of chemotherapy. He's calling them "Cameron's Chemo Care Packages."

Cameron plans to deliver the care packages during his Thanksgiving break at the same hospital where his grandfather received treatment.

"I think it's going to have a big impact on them and they're going to be inspired to fight cancer," Cameron Gensler said.

Cameron is fundraising until November 7th.

To see Cameron's YouTube video in which he explains his mission, CLICK HERE.

If you'd like to donate to the cause, you can do so via PayPal by CLICKING HERE, or you can email Cameron's mom at jamiegensler@hotmail.com.