Mom's plea for son's epic water balloon fight draws global attention

A Virginia mom is getting a lot more than she bargained for when she asked for some kids to join her son in a water balloon fight for his 10th birthday.

Traci Eubank’s son, Camden, has  Apraxia of speech, a motor speech disorder that gives children trouble pronouncing sounds, syllables, and words. Camden is homeschooled and has trouble making friends, Traci said, because of the speech disorder.

Camden wanted to have what Traci called an”ultimate water balloon fight” for his birthday, but because he doesn’t have a lot of friends, Traci was at a loss for who to invite other than Camden’s sister “and her best friend and a few cousins.”

So on Sunday, June 28, Traci posted an open invitation on Facebook to anyone with kids that wants to come throw some water balloons with one awesome little boy.” And, it seems, the call has been answered.

Since Traci posted the invitation, over 1500 people have joined the event page, and Traci has received notes of support from “India, London, Australia, Mexico, Canada & more.” The event was shared on Reddit, and has since driven hundreds of well-wishers to offer Camden a card, or a birthday gift, or just a happy birthday wish.

“I thought maybe a few people on my friends list would bring their kids and it would be a small party- instead it has reached people from all over the world,” track wrote on a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the party.

“The emails & stories people have sent are truly touching and I know we're not alone and Camden WILL have the birthday party of his dreams.   People that don't even know my son are sending him birthday wishes, cards & gifts- there are some awesome people in this world.”

The water balloon fight party is scheduled for Monday July 6th at 6pm at Troutville Park in Troutville, VA. The party’s Facebook page also offers links for well-wishers to send cards, and an Amazon wiahlist for atone who wants to buy Camden a toy.