One of the people closest to Camden Thepsimuong is sharing his thoughts about the Vinton native and his impact on the community following his passing after a long battle with a rare cancer.

Well, the holiday season is here, and Thursday night was the Vinton Christmas Parade.

The AWARE Foundation, Mainstream Mental Health Services and the Salem Red Sox are celebrating a 16-year-old boy who is currently battling cancer. Cam Thepsimuong will be throwing out the first pitch at today’s Red Sox game.

A family’s world has been turned upside down, and the community is coming together to help.