Camden O. Bailey

Camden O’Toole Bailey, age 21, passed away on December 10, 2025, with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with osteosarcoma. Camden faced his journey with remarkable resilience, strength, humility, and grace. He was determined that his life not be defined by his cancer, but rather by how he lived, loved, and lifted others. For Camden his family, friends, and his faith were what was most important. Camden’s family and friends meant everything to him. He found great joy in spending time with them, no matter where it was or what they were doing. Being the selfless person that he was, he never wanted his cancer treatment or how he was feeling to get in the way of his siblings' lives. He found great joy in watching his brothers’ sporting events, especially when he was not able to compete himself. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2018, Camden fought bravely for nearly eight years, enduring countless surgeries, several radiation treatments, numerous rounds of chemotherapy, and he also participated in several drug trials. True to his character, he focused not on his illness, but on making a difference. This past spring, with the help of family and friends, he founded the Camden Bailey Cancer Foundation. Since his diagnosis he selflessly communicated with countless young men newly diagnosed with osteosarcoma, helping them navigate the difficult decision of whether to undergo rotationplasty surgery. Camden was deeply committed to leaving a legacy—one rooted in resiliency, compassion and hope. A gifted athlete and tireless hard worker, Camden excelled both on the field and in the classroom. Growing up, he thrived in playing soccer, basketball, football, and baseball. Just a year and a half after his diagnosis, Camden returned to competitive sports. Despite undergoing a partial leg amputation between his eighth and ninth grade years, he went on to become the varsity quarterback, earning All-State recognition his senior season. A multi-sport athlete, Camden also played basketball and tennis during high school. In recognition of his leadership and work ethic, he was named captain of both the football and tennis teams his senior year and was awarded the Sam Fuller Award by his football team and the Coach’s Award for tennis. Camden’s leadership and excellence extended well beyond athletics. He served as president of his senior class and excelled academically, graduating as salutatorian. At his high school graduation, he was awarded the Kennett Cup, the most prestigious honor bestowed to a graduating student by his high school. Camden continued to excel in college at the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Even though he was undergoing cancer treatment the five semesters he was a student there, he maintained an “A” average. While at UNC Camden also worked as a football team equipment manager for nearly a year. With school and his treatments, this 40 hour a week commitment became too much, but it was an experience that he cherished. His determination, discipline, and drive were evident in all aspects of his life. Camden loved growing up in Jackson, New Hampshire, and cherished all that the outdoors had to offer—especially golfing and skiing. The past few years he took particular joy in beating his father and two brothers on the links. More recently, he also treasured time spent with family and friends at his family’s camp on Lovewell Pond in Fryeburg. Over the past year, Camden also took great pride in sharing the beauty of the Mount Washington Valley and these experiences with his University of North Carolina friends. Above all, Camden lived by the belief, despite whatever challenge he may have been facing at the time, to “find joy in the journey.” His strength, kindness, and unwavering spirit will live on in the many lives he touched and will continue to impact through his Foundation. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Camden’s family would like to thank the caring staff at Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care over the last eight years, especially at the time of his passing. They would also like to give a special thanks to his incredible care team and all those that have treated him over the years at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Jimmy Fund Clinic. They are forever grateful for their compassion and care all these years. The Bailey’s would also like to thank their family, friends and the greater Mount Washington Valley Community and beyond for all the love and support all these years. Camden is survived by his loving parents, Chris and Jen Bailey; his siblings, Braeden and Daven; and his grandparents Peter and Ginger Bailey of Jackson, NH; Jay and Anita Kopanski of North Hampton, NH; and Gary and Jodie Woltering of Suffolk, VA. He is also survived by his uncle Terry Bailey of Fort Lauderdale, FL; his aunts Kelly Bailey of Jackson, NH; Andy Emery of Glen, NH; Jimi Emery of Glen, NH; Ellen Emery (Geoffrey) of Glen, NH; and Rachel Marinas (Glenn) of Barrington, NH. Camden leaves behind his beloved cousins Conor Smith (Emily), Colby Day (Hunter), Brody Emery, Weston Cassidy, Gracie Spirito, and Brady York, along with countless extended relatives and lifelong friends who became more like family to him. Lastly, he is survived by his incredible friends from UNC. In the short time that he was there, Camden found his people and formed deep bonds with many friends. They remained close to Camden even after he had to leave school in December 2024. The Bailey’s will forever consider them part of their extended family. All those who loved and admired Camden are invited to join his family on Saturday, December 20, 2025, for a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mountains Parish in North Conway, NH. Immediately following, the family invites the public to gather for an “Irish Wake” at the Grand Summit Hotel in Bartlett, NH, next to Attitash Bear Peak. At approximately 3:00 p.m. those in attendance will be invited to share Camden stories and remembrances. Those able to attend Saturday are invited to wear Carolina and or Navy blue in honor of Camden’s love for UNC. Arrangements are under the care of Furber & White Funeral Home, North Conway, NH. In lieu of flowers the family asks people to consider donating in his memory to the Camden Bailey Cancer Foundation. For more information visit camdenbaileycancerfoundation.org