On October 10, 2021, Cameron Taft at 22 months old suffered a nearly fatal drowning accident. Paramedics revived Cameron twice while in route to Elmhurst Hospital. Cameron suffered a severe brain injury from his near drowning. He was immediately transferred to Lurie Children’s Hospital, where he spent the first nine days on a ventilator, fighting for his life. Cameron’s parents, Chaz and Maureen Taft experienced the most unimaginable tragedy and were then given news no parent wanted to hear ‘…they needed to make a decision”. Maureen was taught “Where there’s life, there’s hope.” Cam had life in him, and they would begin the fight of a lifetime towards recovery. After six weeks at Luries, Cameron was transferred to inpatient care at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, where he remained until December 23. Within days of being released from Shirley Ryan inpatient rehab, Cam traveled to New Orleans where he spent another two months and received Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT). Cameron has also made two journeys to Phoenix, Arizona for stem cell transplants, and to receive intense functional neurology therapies.
Support the Taft Family
Since the beginning, One for the Kids has relished the curve ball. Be it our slightly irreverent tagline, a great time for a great cause, or the fact that our original logo was designed on a cocktail napkin, we haven't exactly been cookie cutter.
Reveling in the unexpected is quintessential One for the Kids. The Curve Ball is an incredible night filled with unique surprises, such as mascots, Elvis impersonators, games - the possibilities are endless! Our event is not a seated dinner, but buffet style where you can mingle over cocktails, apps, great conversation and have the opportunity to raise money for a great cause. The Paul Windsor Orchestra will take the stage and have the dance floor rocking!
If you would like to book a room at our block at the Emily Hotel, visit their site below.
We have two exciting raffles the night of the event! The Chuck-a-Duck split the pot is one not to be missed Purchase 1 duck for $20 or 7 ducks for $100.
See Past Events
The Advocate Children’s Heart Institute (ACHI) began in 1987 with pediatric cardiologists from the University of Chicago, Northwestern and Loyola Universities and Children’s Memorial Hospital. This amazing group of dedicated physicians felt that they could provide optimal care for their pediatric patients in a differently structured environment. They created ACHI, now a nationally renowned center on the Oak Lawn, IL campus of Advocate Christ Medical Center and Advocate Children’s Hospital (now on both the Oak Lawn and Park Ridge, IL campuses).
Special Children’s Charities was founded in 1969 to fund special recreation programs administered by the Chicago Park District, which later expanded to Chicago Public Schools and other agencies throughout the city. Special Children’s Charities currently develops and funds a wide range of recreational, educational and social activities that encourage physical and mental health for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality programming.
