An Interview with Team Captain Cam Sabel – by ASCV Board Member Dilshad D. Ali
Cameron’s Crusaders knows a thing or two about the Autism Society of Central Virginia 5k – and well they should. They’ve been participating in the event for more than 15 years with Team Captain Cameron “Cam” Sabel at the helm! And while 25-year-old Cam doesn’t get a lot of time these days to partake in all the ASCV adult programs due to his job at a retirement home, he looks forward every year for the return of Cameron’s Crusaders. Why? Because it gives him the chance to do what he enjoys: Helping people like himself.
“Being able to have a team that makes money to help people like me, that’s what I like best about being a team captain,” Cam said. He credits attending programs and volunteering with ASCV for spring boarding him into volunteering with other Richmond-area organizations, like Jacob’s Chance and a Night to Shine. As his mother Donna Sabel said to Cam, “You started volunteering through the ASCV, and it made you think of doing other things outside of ASCV.”
Cameron, who was diagnosed when he was three years old, looks to his role as a team captain as a way for him to serve his community. He said, “I like being able to go around and talk to people at the ASCV events. Connections with some of the people I’ve met have provided me with opportunities to explore areas of my interest.”
Cameron’s Crusaders has a loyal following, with many friends and loved ones from Cam’s life showing up year after year to either join his team and participate or donate to the ASCV through his team. One of Cameron’s Crusader’s most loyal supporters is Miss Zimmerman, who was a special education teacher at Quioccasin Middle School and Cam’s case manager.
“She joined my team for many years,” Cam said. “She helped me get through middle school,” he said, remembering what a challenging time that was for him. Another huge supporter of Cameron’s Crusaders is Mrs. Deytens, who was Cam’s instructional aid from kindergarten throughout elementary school. “She was so nice that we stayed friends with her after I left elementary school,” Cam said. “Of all my IAs, she was the most special.”
Cam’s mother Donna said the ASCV has been a big support for the Sabel family throughout Cam’s journey through school and other areas of life. “Bradford (Hulcher, a former ASCV executive director) helped me a lot with some issues we were having in kindergarten,” Donna recalled.
Cameron’s Crusaders are once again ready to be a part of this year’s ASCV 5K with Cam at the helm. Look for this veteran team on May 17th at Crump Park!
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