The first group to take on Cure4Cam as a beneficiary (in 2012) was the Downingtown West Cross Country team. As Cameron was a competitive runner since the start of middle school, he knew and was known by many of the high school runners as an up-and-coming addition to the team. The summer before 8th grade, he spent some time running with the high school kids. His sister was on the team too. The XC team decided to support Cure4Cam by making us the recipient of sponsorships and donations for their annual Chester County Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning - it was a perfect occasion, a perfect way to honor Cameron, a perfect day, and a sea of yellow (Cameron's favorite color) as runners in their new race T-shirts streamed across the course, pouring out love for us and putting smiles upon our saddened faces. That relationship has endured, and continues to have a huge outpouring of support from the team as well as the entire community.

 Next came the Muddy Shoes Relay, an idea conceptualized by his would-be high school cross-county coach. The following is a quote from Cameron’s (now defunct) website, an entry dated Feb 24, 2012, in the midst of his battle with cancer, titled “What’s on Your Shoe?”. “As we run through life, we step into many moments, both good and bad, but as long as we don't change our shoes too much, there is nothing we can't handle. Currently, I am stepping in mud, and when I get out of the mud, it will leave a trace on everything else I step on. This can be a good thing as long as I am positive in the mud, so that the trail I later leave is a good one. The mud may stain my shoe, but it will not change the brand or the foot inside, only build up its character.” It was the ideal race. Run 3 miles as an individual or as a 3-person relay. Dads and moms with kids, siblings, neighbors, friends, coworkers, even Cameron’s favorite occupational therapist came out. Seasoned athletes, people who had never run in their lives. One mile. In Cameron’s mind, anyone could do 1 mile. It was beautiful. His 15th birthday was the day before. Although bittersweet, what a wonderful way to celebrate his life! Running through the “mud” of life, building character.

Other events large and small have come and gone as well. A Moonlight 5K, Pedal4Cam Bike Ride and Relays4Cam swim events conceptualized by a girl Cameron’s age who grew up thinking of Cameron more as a close cousin than a friend. This latter one continues to be a favorite among a few local swim teams - fundraising followed by a celebration of sorts!

And finally, the STEM Academy, where Cameron was so looking forward to going, coordinates an annual CamAThon, a dance marathon event, where local high school students raise funds for childhood cancer then celebrate with dancing, games, competitions, hair donation and more!

Historically, almost all of the events supporting us are, at least in part, organized, if not coordinated by, students who want to make a difference. We are big proponents of “kids helping kids”. We have learned through this experience that kids want to help, they just don’t always know how. We give them opportunities.