Each life, no matter how brief, forever changed the world.
Our Story
A cause born from love, started by Chelsie & Gary Van Ert to support families facing pregnancy and infant loss.
On January 18, 2017, Chelsie and Gary Van Ert learned that their unborn son had anencephaly, a rare condition affecting roughly 1 in 10,000 pregnancies. Chelsie chose to carry their baby boy full term, and the couple made the decision to donate his organs so that, even in loss, he could help others.
Camden Lou was born on May 17, 2017, weighing 4 lbs 2 oz. He was strong enough to meet his big sisters and grandparents before he passed away later that same morning. In the short time they had with him, Camden touched his family and community in ways they never expected.
Out of that heartbreak came Camden's Cause — founded in Atlantic, Iowa to walk alongside families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss, and to help ease the burden of funeral and medical costs during an unimaginable time. Every shirt sold and every dollar raised carries Camden's name forward, and now honors other babies gone too soon, including Camden Lou and Sam Cruthis, whose families continue to join us each year.
Support families through pregnancy and infant loss by helping cover funeral, medical, and everyday burdens during their hardest days.
Based in Atlantic, Iowa and carried forward by family, friends, and a community that shows up every year with open hearts.
We share the direct impact of every gift, so supporters can see exactly how Camden's Cause helps families in need.
The Flagship Event
Our annual golf tournament is the heart of Camden's Cause — a day of golf, laughter, family, and remembrance that funds our mission year-round. Every summer, families, friends, and the broader community gather for a shotgun-start tournament, followed by a balloon release in blue and green — Camden's colors — in memory of the babies we carry with us.
Teams tee off together for a fun, family-friendly tournament with games, prizes, and plenty of Camden's Cause gear on display.
Blue and green balloons are released in memory of Camden and the other babies honored by name at the tournament each year.
A bake sale, koozies, raffles, and a whole lot of community support round out the day — every bit of it funding the cause.
Photo Gallery
A look back at our latest tournament — the people, the balloons, and the community that make Camden's Cause possible.
Add photos to the images/gallery folder (see README-images.txt) and they'll appear here automatically.
Shop
Choose your items below and submit — your order details are emailed straight to us and we'll follow up to confirm sizing, pricing, and payment.
Get in Touch
Follow along, reach out with questions, or find out how to get involved with next year's tournament.