Moving moment
Fifth annual Kristen Cameron fundraiser tackles disability head-on
Island native Kristen Cameron was just 25-years-old when her dreams of becoming a hockey coach were shattered in September 2010. Her uncle, Mike Cameron, says she was an assistant coach in Mercyhurst, a small college in Pennsylvania, when she was struck by a drunk driver while training on her bicycle.
Kristen learned in hospital the next morning that she was paralyzed from the chest down.
Fighting back
After the accident, the Kristen Cameron Trust Fund was created to help assist with medical costs.
“We’re trying to help out my niece with funds because she needs assistance as a quadriplegic for the rest of her life. And over the course of five years we’ve probably raised $10,000,” Mike said.
More than 100 Islanders participated Saturday in the fifth annual Kristen Cameron 5K Fun Run fundraiser at Summerside Intermediate School.
Inspiring hope
Mike says his niece is driven with determination.
“She’s quite an inspiration, so we just like to do something for her,” he explained. “For all the hard work she’s done and where she is today.”
Runner Todd MacDonald said, “I’m supporting a worthy cause.”
The run in her honour not
only raises the necessary funds to assist with everyday needs, but also serves to bring awareness to the dangers of drinking and driving.
Defying the odds
After years of gruelling rehabilitation, Cameron, who now lives in Vancouver, recently realized a new dream when she was recruited for the
Canadian National Wheelchair Rugby team.
She is determined to break more records with her sights set on the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.
“She has no animosity and just strives to do the best she can with what she’s been dealt with,” said Mike. “And she made that goal in her life to become the athlete she was once.”