Cameron Goulart, 18

Jan 22, 2013

Cameron J. Goulart, 18, of Marion, died on Sunday, January 20. Born in Fall River on March 2, 1994, he was the beloved son of Jeffrey and Debbie (Cardoso) Goulart and the loving brother of Kaleigh and Chandler Goulart.

Cameron had cerebral palsy from birth, and although he had many medical challenges, his amazing strength and courage inspired not only his family but so many others throughout his life.

He was a blessing and has given us more gifts than we could ever ask for. He taught us all so much without ever saying a word. He was, and will always be, our hero.

Cameron enjoyed being in the sunshine and warm weather. He also loved going on family vacations, and supporting his brother and sister in all of their activities. Most of all, Cameron enjoyed being with his entire family.

Cameron was a student at the Kennedy-Donovan Center School. He was the inspiration for Cameron's Kids, a non-profit organization that benefits children with disabilities. In 1995, he was personally blessed by Mother Teresa when she visited New Bedford and became one of her "littlest angels."

In addition to his parents and siblings, Cameron is survived by his grandparents, Manuel and Dolores Goulart and Nelson and Tammy Cardoso; his great-grandparents, Alice Marmelo and Isaura Cardoso; his aunts and uncles, Melissa and Brian Machado, Kyle and Karen Canastra, Sherri Goulart and Michael Goulart; his cousins, Brian Machado, Taylor Canastra and Sierra Canastra; and his caring nursing staff.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony's Church, Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Fairhaven. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, January 23, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to continue Cameron's legacy, so donations may be made to Cameron's Kids, 71 Bullivant Farm Road, Marion, MA 02738. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.