Carnel Chamberlain Memorial Fund

Carnel Isaiah Peter Chamberlain was born January 16, 2008 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. He was our cousin, nephew, son and grandson. We often called him our “Grasshopper”. He lived most of his short four years of life on the Isabella Indian Reservation located in Isabella County, and was a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Carnel was tragically taken from this world on June 21, 2012.

Carnel had been the victim of severe physical abuse by those who should have protected him. We, the Chamberlain family, believe a shroud of secrecy has for many years been covering multiple types of abuse within our community, and further believe this dark shadow is what led to the circumstances surrounding Carnel’s abuse and death. Over the past several years, too many children and young adults have left us as a result of substance abuse, suicide and murder. We believe our community is failing our youth.

Carnel’s death has opened our eyes and we vow, with the help of this fund, to honor his life and his legacy by bringing all forms of abuse to the forefront. Secrecy will not help anyone out of the depths of their despair and torment. The Carnel Chamberlain Memorial Fund has been established to support the efforts of organizations in Isabella County that seek to address physical, emotional, sexual, and/or substance abuse. This fund will be HOPE for victims, HOPE for those suffering, and HOPE for those who feel they have nowhere to turn.

We believe that this is forever Carnel’s HOPE…for tomorrow.