Race for Cameron

A fundraising race benefiting Cameron Piorek, an Aliso Niguel High School student paralyzed while playing lacrosse, is set for September 7 in Laguna Niguel.

Cameron Piorek

eventeen-year-old Cameron Piorek is hoping to receive the gift of a lifetime – the chance to walk again. While playing as #36 long pole defender for the Aliso Niguel High School lacrosse team in April, Cameron suffered a spinal cord injury that fractured his C-7 vertebra and displaced his C-1 vertebra. After two months of post-surgery treatment, he began outpatient therapy and is now looking toward rehabilitation through San Diego-based Project Walk. TeamCam Race to Walk 5K on September 7, set with the goal of raising $150,000 for Cameron’s family, may give him that chance. Rehabilitation for Cameron at this point could cost anywhere from $300 to $600 a day, with the first year most likely costing around $458,000, according to csfwlaw.com. TeamCam Race to Walk aims to ease some of the financial burden for the Piorek family.

Elaine Gjonovich, a personal friend of the Pioreks with some experience in organizing fundraising races, decided to take the reigns for TeamCam Race to Walk. “He’s the neatest young man you’d ever meet,” says Gjonovich. “There’s no self pity. He’s always thinking of other people.”

The outreach from the community has been phenomenal, especially from the Aliso Niguel football and lacrosse families, according to Cameron’s mother, Kelly Piorek. “That is what makes a difference,” she says. The Los Angeles Major League lacrosse team, the Riptides, also reached out by putting on a fundraising game for Cameron against the San Francisco Dragons at Orange Coast College on Aug. 9. They presented Cameron with a Riptide jersey with his own #36.

Circumstances haven't kept Cameron from living his life. “He’s pretty upbeat, especially when he works out,” his mother says. Cameron has his eyes set on his passion for film and acting, and he hopes to be a film director.

"He’s still doing what he did before, just in a chair,” she says. “He’s a fighter. If he gets down, he gets right back up again.”

This attribute led to Cameron’s quick success in high school sports. Upon entering high school, he immediately immersed himself in football and was named lineman of the year his freshman year, making the varsity team as a sophomore. Around this time he decided that he wanted to pick up a second sport to stay in shape for football, and lacrosse was a good fit, something he truly enjoyed.

TeamCam Race to Walk 5K will take place at Crown Valley Community Park in Laguna Niguel on September 7. The race course will take participants around the lake at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. After the race, there will be a pancake breakfast provided by Ruby’s Diner, a carnival, music, and silent auction. Race registration is $39 with all proceeds going to Cameron. To register or find out more information, visit outdoorfitnessonline.org

Do you like what you read? Subscribe to Coast Magazine »