LEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — After enduring roughly 20 heart procedures and an open-heart surgery far from home this summer, 13-year-old Cameron Collier is back in the classroom and his family is thanking the community for its support.

Cameron was born with an extreme form of Tetralogy of Fallot with MAPCs (major aortopulmonary collateral arteries), meaning he was born without a pulmonic valve or pulmonary arteries connecting his heart to his lungs. His parents adopted him at age 3, then, his decades-long medical journey began with an extensive open-heart unifocalization surgery when he was just a toddler.

“Cameron’s had about 20 heart caths since his first open heart surgery,” his mom, Shellie Collier, said. “He’s done really well with those and those surgeries have allowed him to grow and thrive. And he’s almost taller than me now, and it’s such a blessing.”

Complications follow out-of-state surgery

By age 13, Cameron had outgrown a medical valve and conduit placed when he was younger. On June 25, his family traveled to Texas for another major open-heart operation.

While the operation was a success, serious complications developed after the family returned home to southwest Georgia. Cameron developed life-threatening infections, including endocarditis and septic pulmonary emboli. His temporary home was in a hospital, with transfers between Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

First responders, neighbors rally behind family

As the medical crises mounted, the Lee County community stepped in to help. First responders, including the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, EMS, fire department, code enforcement, and animal control all offered to help, then were joined by neighbors.

“Thank you isn’t enough, but thank you,” Shellie Collier said. “It’s hard to explain how that feels when you know people love you that much that they’re saying, ‘Here, this is what I have, take it. We love you guys.’”

Supporters contributed by covering housing costs, bringing meals, and making home visits to keep Cameron smiling during his recovery.

“The community surrounded over us and took care of Cameron, took care of our family,” Purvis Collier, Cameron’s father, said. “We definitely appreciate everybody.”

Back in school and looking ahead

After recovering from the infections, Cameron is back at school, attending his first Homecoming dance, and competing on his school’s third-ranked East Coast esports team.

“It feels good,” Cameron said. “I feel different from getting out of the hospital. I just like seeing everyone that I knew, and like my friends and all that.”

Having spent much of his childhood around cardiac specialists, Cameron now plans to enter the medical field himself.

“I think I’d be like a doctor,” Cameron said. “They helped me, so I want to help them... so I can inspire them and help other people too.”

Another procedure to come soon

Cameron is scheduled to return to the catheterization lab soon to address a blocked stent and evaluate his pulmonary arteries. Meanwhile, the Collier family says they remain grateful for the continued prayers and community support.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X. For more south Georgia news, download the WALB News app and add WALB as a preferred source on Google.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.