At just 6 months old, Kameron Allison already knows how to light up a room. He sings with his dad, watches wrestling and laughs with his whole face. He’s a hand-chewer, a charmer and a baby who can’t help but smile.
“He’s got this vibrant personality that captivates everyone he meets,” his mom, Zebresha Allison, says. “He’s thriving in the best ways.”
But behind Kameron’s bright spirit is a journey that began before he was even born.
Facing the unexpected
At 20 weeks pregnant, Zebresha learned through genetic testing that she was a carrier for cystic fibrosis (CF). When her husband’s test showed the same result, their care team was surprised.
“It came as a shock to the entire care team,” Zebresha says. “CF isn’t believed to be common among African Americans, yet here we were.”
Cystic fibrosis is a lifelong condition that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. While it can lead to infections and breathing challenges, early treatment and expert care make it possible for children to live long, full lives.
The couple declined further prenatal testing, choosing instead to prepare for whatever lay ahead.
“We truly came to peace with the possibility,” Zebresha says. “We just wanted him to be as healthy as possible.”
The Allisons were then referred to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, named a ‘Best Children's Hospital’ for pediatric pulmonology by U.S. News & World Report, where the pediatric pulmonology team offered reassurance even before Kameron arrived.
“Our team put us at ease,” Zebresha says. “They helped us believe that this diagnosis wouldn’t hinder Kameron’s life.”
Building blocks of care
Kameron’s cystic fibrosis was confirmed shortly after birth through newborn screening. While he had no complications, his constant hunger raised questions.
“We noticed he was eating almost every hour,” Zebresha says. “CF affects his ability to absorb nutrients, but we didn’t connect the dots until his condition was confirmed.”
Kameron’s treatments began with salt and vitamin drops, plus pancrelipase, a pancreatic enzyme that helps his body absorb nutrients.
“As soon as we started the enzyme, we noticed an immediate difference,” Zebresha says. “His feeds lasted longer, and we were able to save milk.”
Now, Kameron also uses an inhaler and nebulizer twice a day.
“The inhaler and nebulizer help break down mucus,” Zebresha says. “He takes his treatments like a champ. Sometimes he even plays with his equipment. It makes the process so much easier.”
Dream team
Faith and family have carried the Allisons through but so has the dedicated pulmonology team at Levine Children’s.
“Everyone at our office has been nothing short of amazing,” Zebresha says. “Kendra gently administers Kameron’s culture swabs, Tracy makes sure we always have our supplies, Beth guides us with financial support, Emily fine-tunes his feeds and Dr. Dennis Schellhase takes his time with Kameron at every visit. Even the nurses greet him like royalty. All eyes are on him when he walks in, and they shower him with love and compliments. It makes every visit feel special.”
Both Zebresha and her husband work for Atrium Health, which she says brought an added layer of connection.
“It helped us communicate more easily with our care teams,” Zebresha says. “We understood the system, the terminology, even the financial process. Our experience would have been excellent no matter what but being part of the Atrium Health family made it even sweeter. We had fellow teammates helping us every step of the way.”
Celebrating the wins
One of the biggest early milestones came when Kameron began taking his medicine with ease.
“That was the scariest part,” Zebresha says. “The enzymes are chalky and can cause irritation if not swallowed quickly.”
But Kameron adapted quickly. He gained weight, stayed on track and kept reaching new goals.
“Honestly, we have so many small victories to celebrate every day,” Zebresha says. “Kam waking up, breathing strong and sharing his laughter with us — each one is a victory. It’s brought us closer as a family. We’re so appreciative of the good and the hard, because we get to walk this road together.”
Those everyday moments — grins during treatment, comfort with his care team, endless energy at home — have become the heartbeat of Kameron’s journey. As the Allisons continue to learn and grow alongside Kameron, they’ve found strength not just in his progress, but in the perspective it’s given them. For families facing a similar experience with cystic fibrosis, Zebresha offers this message:
“Cystic fibrosis is not a death sentence,” Zebresha says. “Your child can play sports, go to school, make friends and live a full, joyful life. The initial shock is a sting, and it takes time to learn their needs and understand how CF shows up. But the process teaches you to celebrate differently, love deeper and grow stronger together.”
Kameron’s story is just beginning. His family is embracing every giggle, song and smile — every sign that joy and strength can grow side by side.
See more lives that have been changed by Levine Children’s.
