A True Champion

There are no words to adequately define this young man, this is a true story of self-sacrifice...

Cameron Lyle

(HARRISVILLE, N.H.) - It is rare to find a truly selfless human being willing to put the welfare of a total stranger before personal reward.

Cameron Lyle, A 21 year old senior at the University of New Hampshire and Division I college athlete, has trained hard for 8 years to compete in the American East Track and Field Championships to be held this month. Cameron competes in both the shot put and the hammer throw. The sacrifices made and the amount of hard work put in by this young man over the last 8 years to qualify for the upcoming competition amount to a staggering load. Yet, Cameron told his coach that he would not be competing in the Championships (for which he had already qualified) for a very good reason. He would be donating his bone marrow to save the life of a 28 year old with cancer, who has been given 6 months to live without that transplant.

Cameron was told that his 100% non-family match was a 1 in 5,000,000 shot. When asked about his decision, Cameron said “Choosing to save someone’s life over winning a trophy is a no-brainer”!

The bone marrow transplant will take place at the Massachusetts General Hospital in the very near future. A needle will be used to withdraw liquid bone marrow from Cameron’s pelvic bone. After the surgery, Cameron will not be allowed to lift 20 lbs over his head. The events in which Cameron competes will require exertion levels that far exceed this 20 lb lift restriction.

Lyle and the individual to whom he is donating his bone marrow must remain anonymous to each other for at least a year after the donation. After that, the can both sign consent forms to release their identities if they desire to do so.

“I really want to meet him” Cameron said, “and I hope he wants to meet me”.

There are no words to adequately define this young man. The title of Hero certainly fits but he is more than that... he is a Champion going into this battle and regardless of the outcome, he deserves to retain that title.

Cameron’s parents must be very proud that the values they instilled in their son shine so brightly. In my opinion, Cameron Lyle is a man who we can all look up to and an excellent example of a true Champion!