It was 3 PM on a Wednesday afternoon in sunny Pismo Beach, California, and 19-year-old Cameron Clapp was looking for a tuxedo while juggling his cell phone. The scene sounds like an average teenager getting ready for prom, but Clapp was gearing up for an important day in his young life: The Shining Star Awards Gala.
The 58th annual dinner/dance event, sponsored by Just One Break Inc. (JOB), a nonprofit organization founded in part by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1947, was honoring gold medal-winning Clapp for his achievements as a star athlete. On November 30, 2005, he became one of a few recipients of the prestigious award, along with such luminaries as Christopher Reeve and Ray Charles. "It's a black-tie event," he explained while preparing. "There are going to be a lot of important people there, I imagine."
The gala honored "those whose outlook and achievements provide inspiration and encouragement for people with disabilities," read the invitation to the event, titled Silver Linings, "either by example or by supporting JOB in its mission of helping qualified applicants obtain sustainable employment."
One of three Shining Star recipients that evening, Clapp received a standing ovation after his acceptance speech. "I was very nervous," he said afterwards. "This was the biggest event of my life and something of which I'll always be proud." Having always been an outstanding athlete, Clapp's accomplishments are now especially impressive and inspirational, since he's missing three limbs.
Article:
Unquenchable Spirit: The Cameron Clapp Storyoandp.com - Sherry Metzger, MS
Cameron was featured on the CBS Early Show's series My New Life, which profiles people who have gone through dramatic life changes.
Even as a triple amputee, it seems that the only thing Cameron Clapp can't do is feel sorry for himself. "I honestly can say that I would rather be the way that I am," says Cameron. "And I'm totally happy - than to be that guy down on the beach. He's having a good time and so am I. Life is good."
Article:
Amputee An Inspiration To OthersCameron made the
local news yesterday... also don't forget to watch Cameron on "My Name is Earl" tonight, Tuesday 11/22/05, on NBC... He's on the beginning of the show so don't tune in late!
His loss is his gainThe Tribune, Patrick S. Pemberton
Earl (Jason Lee) runs away from Jake ( Cameron Clapp), the "no-legged" boyfriend of the "one-legged" Didi, from whom Earl stole a car.
Cameron debuts on NBC's "My Name Is Earl", a new show bringing a new audience to NBC.
Pictured here, an angry Jake, as played by Cameron, is chasing a bewildered Earl (Lee), who had arrived at the woman's house hoping to make amends for stealing her car.
Clapp and Tracy Ashton, who plays Didi, have no problem with the lost-limb humor. Clapp, who lost an arm and two legs after being hit by a train four years ago, says he's happy to be able to demonstrate his mobility skills to a national audience. "That'll open people's boundaries a little bit," he says.
The humor goes well with Earl, a recovering ne'er-do-well who means well even though he sometimes thinks or says the wrong thing. "We're making light of all the serious, politically correct stuff that society has created.
Read entire article at USA Today:
Behind the scenes, 'Earl' is as quirky as its plotlinesBill Keveney, USA Today, Oct. 18
