submitted by Lisa Graziano, proud mom to Cameron (26, living with PWS)
Cameron Graziano, age 26 with PWS deletion subtype, earned his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do when he was 17 years old. His passion for Karate started at age 9 when his ability to balance on one foot did not exceed a count of one, and grew as his practice increased his strength and skill. A couple of years after obtaining his Black Belt Cameron chipped a bone while doing a jump kick in class. Surgery, months of physical therapy, and a pandemic followed, but Cameron’s love of Karate endured. When he was finally able to return to a studio, he decided to learn a new style of Karate and is now studying Moo Duk Kwan with another Black Belt in his sights. Late in 2023 Cameron submitted a proposal to the Prader-Willi California Foundation offering to teach basic karate to others with PWS. He independently wrote his Karate with Cameron curriculum, included lots of calisthenics, for 42 weekly 1-hour Zoom classes with handouts and the class’s video for registrants to practice between classes. His proposal was accepted and classes began in 2024 with plans to continue at least through 2025. Attendees love it! Most attend every week and work out the entire hour! Cameron was honored in 2024 with a PWCF President’s Award for his work to improve the health of his peers. Karate with Cameron classes are available only to PWCF members – and while I may be a tad biased, I think they’re totally worth the modest cost of membership!
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