Meet the Ludlow Family: Heather, Matt, Cameron and Adalyn

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By Aaron Olson Photos by Heather Gregg, 21 Vines Photography

Heather and Matt Ludlow moved to the beautiful Heritage Lake community about a year after their son Cameron was born. The community, located near Coatesville, IN, surrounds its namesake, a private 320- acre lake that provides residents with seasonal beauty and enjoyment.

Cameron, now 15, was born at 27 weeks and had to spend about 75 days in the NICU at St. Vincent Hospital. (His twin, Carter, passed away before birth.) Initially, Cameron was given only a small chance for survival, and the family was told that even if he were to survive, he would likely have to be institutionalized. At birth, Cameron suffered a massive brain bleed that resulted in hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy. The Mayo Clinic states that “hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities deep within the brain.” Cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through the ventricles and bathes the brain and spinal column, but when excess fluid is present, it increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. This can damage brain tissue and cause a broad range of disabilities. Cameron also had very underdeveloped lungs and a perforated bowel. Over the years, he underwent several shunt revisions, a near-death experience due to a shunt malfunction, SDR surgery, hip surgery, and countless hours of therapy. Heather attributes their family’s resolve to faith, prayer, and support from their extended family.

Cameron has come a long way since his tentative start in life. He and his sister Adalyn, 11, attend North Putnam Community Schools, where Cameron plays trumpet in the high school band, and Adalyn is on her school’s basketball team. The family enjoys spending time on the water swimming and tubing during the summer months, and they take great pride in their Christmas light displays in the winter. The family is active in the community. Heather is a REALTOR® for REMAX and Matt works as an aviation mechanic for the Colts. They are members of their neighborhood’s activity committee and help to put on several family-focused events every year like pictures with Santa, “Trunk or Treat,” and the Easter bunny egg hunt.

Heather describes the first happy milestone in their special needs adventure as the day they brought Cameron home from the NICU. She says she will “never forget the mix of emotions from that day.” Cameron has been incredibly resilient through it all, and despite the doctors’ initial prognosis of an institutionalized life, he has shown immense progress both cognitively and physically. Despite still facing some challenges, Cameron is currently a freshman in high school and has moved past using a wheelchair. The family eagerly anticipates a time when he will no longer need crutches!

Today the Ludlows enjoy vacationing on Daytona Beach in Florida. They go every year, multiple times if they are able. It has taken a great deal of adapting to address Cameron’s specific vacationing needs, but things have improved over the years. Heather recommends doing research when visiting any beach and ensuring the hotels/resorts can accommodate your child’s specific set of needs. For families whose children use wheelchairs, Heather says it’s imperative to make sure there is a beach wheelchair rental facility nearby, as regular wheelchairs are not made for sand. It is also important to have a portable wheelchair for air travel.

Heather believes being involved in both the special needs and local community is especially important for parent and their children. She says, “I’ve always felt that it is important to be part of your community and [I] want to impress that upon my children as well. I think it’s been a great thing for my son as it’s helped him continue building confidence and show others that he can do just as much as his peers.” With regard to the special needs community, she has this to say to newcomers: “’WELCOME!’ This community is very kind and giving and willing to help out anyone! Never feel afraid or ashamed to ask for help and come hang out with us! We welcome everyone here.”

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