At Cameron’s 20-week scan, concerns were raised about William’s growth, leading to ongoing monitoring and appointments with specialists.
Doctors warned he could be born prematurely, and Cameron stopped working and spent much of the remainder of her pregnancy resting in an effort to give him the best possible start.
When William arrived at 37 weeks, he was small but otherwise appeared healthy.
After a few days in hospital, the family returned home believing everything was on track.
But within weeks, Cameron became increasingly concerned.
She noticed unusual breathing patterns and noises and repeatedly sought medical advice.
“I kept saying there was something wrong,” Cameron said.
Eventually, a heart murmur was detected and William was transferred to Starship Hospital.
Within days, he was undergoing major heart surgery.
Doctors later diagnosed Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic neurodevelopmental condition first described by New Zealand cardiologist John Cyprian Phipps Williams in 1961, caused by the spontaneous deletion of genetic material on chromosome 7.
The NZ Williams-Syndrome Association said the condition was present from birth and characterised by a range of medical issues, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays and learning disabilities.
Many people with Williams Syndrome are also known for their highly social personalities, strong verbal abilities and affinity for music, according to the association.
The diagnosis provided answers for the family after weeks of uncertainty.
“I still remember exactly where I was standing when we found out,” Cameron said.
“It changed everything.”
At just 5 weeks, William underwent open-heart surgery and required a blood transfusion during the procedure.
Surgeons discovered significant narrowing in parts of his heart and major blood vessels, and the family was warned he would likely require lifelong monitoring and potentially further surgeries as he grew.
For much of William’s early life, uncertainty became part of daily life.
“You just lived with it,” Cameron said.
As William’s health stabilised, Cameron found herself thinking more about the blood transfusion that had helped save her son’s life.
Cameron had first donated blood as a teenager but only did so occasionally because of a fear of needles.
After William’s diagnosis and surgery, her perspective changed.
Now Cameron makes a point of donating whenever possible and always tries to schedule a donation before William goes into hospital.
“It’s something I will always try and do as often as I can,” Cameron said.
Today, William is a happy and energetic child who attends school and loves music, dancing, riding his bike and anything that spins.
Washing machines are a particular fascination.
“He loves watching them,” Cameron said.
Like many children with Williams Syndrome, he learns differently and continues to face challenges associated with the condition.
He remains under the care of specialists and the family knows further medical intervention may be needed in the future.
Recent scans have shown concerns around arteries connected to his kidneys, while doctors continue to monitor his heart health.
Despite the challenges, Cameron said William was a very happy child.
“He brings a lot of smiles [wherever he goes].”
William’s story is being shared as the New Zealand Blood Service marks National Blood Donor Week from June 8 to 14.
Every 18 minutes, someone in New Zealand needs blood or blood products, so NZ Blood wants to encourage more New Zealanders to become donors.
Around 30,000 people have their lives saved or improved by blood, plasma and platelet donations each year, yet only about 4% of eligible New Zealanders currently donate, NZ Blood said.
New Zealand Blood Service said they need more than 5000 donations every week to meet demand, and a single whole blood donation can help save up to three lives.
For Cameron, those statistics are no longer just numbers.
They’re a reminder that somewhere, a stranger took the time to donate blood when it was needed most.
Because of that donation, William got a chance to grow up.
“You never know when somebody you love is going to need it,” Cameron said.
Tom Eley is a multimedia journalist at the Waikato Herald. Before he joined the Hamilton-based team, he worked for the Weekend Sun and Sunlive. He previously worked as a journalist at Black Press Media in Canada and won a fellowship with the Vancouver Sun.