A NEW FAMILY GUY This profile includes edited excerpts of an article written by Tim Paluch that appeared in the May/June issue of dsm magazine, published by Business Publications Corp. Inc. in Des Moines. Reprinted with permission.
C
had Kammin ’80 is a single, well-traveled teacher for Winterset High School and an adjunct professor for both Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and Upper Iowa University—Des Moines campus. On a return trip to India in 2013, to the city of Rishikesh, his life changed forever. Kammin was visiting Mother Miracle School, a private school for the poor, when the founder asked he if knew anyone in the United States who might be able to sponsor a gifted student, Vikrant Sharma, an extremely bright teenager who had dreams of becoming a brain surgeon. Otherwise, Sharma’s future appeared quite dismal as he lived with his mother, sister, and abusive, alcoholic father in slum conditions. When Kammin first met Sharma he instantly felt a connection with him. He had hosted international students for decades, but this was different. He pictured Sharma in his life and actually becoming a father to him. “I believe we are here to be the best we can be, and also to help others do the same,” Kammin said. “I’m still single with no kids of my own—what else should I be doing?” he added. After corresponding via Facebook for a year, Kammin became Sharma’s legal guardian in America and worked with the administrator of Sharma’s school to obtain a passport and student visa. Kammin enrolled Sharma at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines when he was 17. Learning continued to come easy for Sharma and he graduated from high school with honors this past May. Currently, Sharma is attending Drake University in Des Moines, putting him one step closer to medical school. He would like to return to his mother and sister in Rishikesh as a successful
physician some day. Until then, he visits with them weekly via skype. His abusive, biological father died while preparations were being made for Sharma to come to America, and it was Sharma who cared for him during the last month of his life. Kammin’s role model for fatherhood was his own dad who passed away in 2011. DeWayne Kammin had a good sense of humor and strong sense of family. He was always bigger on love, guidance and support than he was on rules and curfews. Perhaps that was due, in part, to Chad’s growing up on a farm near Story City, Iowa, and giving his parents little to worry about. The Kammin family is still very close. Chad meets his mother, Donna Jacobson Kammin ’52 and sisters, Cathy Kammin Braathun ’75 and Cindy Kammin Blomberg ’77, every Sunday in Story City for church and lunch. They all adore Sharma! Even Donna, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, lights up when she sees him. Sharma is adjusting well. The two have become comfortable in their father/son role and Kammin is grateful for the opportunity to finally be a father—or at least his own unique version of one. Sharma even calls Kammin “Dad,” which was emotional for him the first time he heard it. Kammin’s travels led him to India and to the Mother Miracle School at the right time for him to meet Sharma; and as a result, their lives will never be the same. And one day, due in part to Kammin’s generosity and compassion, Sharma’s work as a surgeon will save and impact the lives of countless others for many years to come. Chad Kammin and Vikrant Sharma live in Des Moines, Iowa. Kammin may be reached at bernoff333@aol.com.
44