When Cameron was matched with the Oswego State baseball team in April 2023, it was more than a jersey and a handshake—it was the beginning of a life-changing friendship. At just seven years old, Cameron has faced incredible challenges: a traumatic brain injury at age one that caused him to lose all motor function and led to diagnoses of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and apraxia. “Despite these challenges, Cameron is a lover of all sports,” his mom, Alanna, said. “He cheers the loudest watching sports in person and at home and always wants to be on the field or court.”
What defines Cameron isn’t his diagnosis—it’s his infectious enthusiasm and his unwavering love of sports—especially when it comes to Owego State. Cameron was matched with the Oswego State baseball team in April of 2023, and when Alanna and Cameron heard about Team IMPACT’s Teammate of the Year campaign, one athlete in particular came to mind: Alek Conrad. “Alek shares this same passion for athletics and has gone above a typical college athlete to make sure Cameron is included in team activities and that he is a part of Cameron’s regular life,” Alanna said.
From day one, Cameron’s connection with Oswego baseball—and especially Alek—was instant. Alanna recalled a moment at Cameron’s Signing Day. “Alek gave a speech to the entire team about Cameron joining his family,” she said, “and it brought tears to our eyes.” From there, the bond continued to blossom. Cameron was introduced to the team’s fans during a fall ball game, highlighted on the video board, and honored with the first pitch. Cameron talks about his Oswego State teammates as often as he can, shows off their photos, and cheers from the stands like the proud teammate he is. But what’s blossomed through this bond is far greater than any game.
At the heart of Cameron’s journey is Alek, who Alanna calls “a great friend, mentor, teammate, and big brother to Cameron.” Alanna says Alek has gone above and beyond what anyone could expect from a college athlete, not only including Cameron in team activities, but integrating Cameron into his life. “From the first meeting with Alek to today, he has treated Cameron and our family like his own.” Alek attends sporting events with Cameron and his family, cheers with them at Cameron’s school’s Special Olympics, attends his football and basketball practices, and celebrates holidays with the family. He even planned Cameron’s 7th birthday party at the bowling alley with the entire team!
“Alek is always thoughtful and creative in the activities he does with us and is constantly trying to expose Cameron to new activities or things that he will like,” Alanna said. Earlier this year, Alek joined Cameron and his family at SkyZone, their local trampoline park, and Alanna said Cameron has a blast jumping and playing with Alek.
For Cameron and his family, this experience hasn’t just been about baseball stats or winning games—it is about being seen, valued, and celebrated. “For a college athlete to recognize and care about a child with special needs as much as Alek does is truly amazing.” On and off the field, Cameron and Alek celebrate the wins and support each other through the losses, and Alanna knows this friendship will continue long after Cameron and Alek’s time on the roster. “Even post-graduation, I know Alek will continue to be in our lives and be invested in Cameron’s future. We are so grateful for meeting Alek and being his teammate.”
Cameron and Alek’s friendship is what Team IMPACT is all about: creating authentic, lasting relationships that uplift and empower both children and student-athletes. Their story reminds us that inclusion isn’t just about being invited—it’s about being embraced, celebrated, and loved for exactly who you are, just how Cameron and Alek celebrate each other.
