The origin of “Live A Big Life”

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Cameron Howe, the inspiration behind Living Big

The Live A Big Life Fund was created in the fall of 2012 in memory of Cameron Howe, a young man who passed away at the age of 20. Cameron was a snowboarder, and when he passed his family chose STOKED as an avenue to honor their son.

Cameron’s parents, Jim and Patti, have done a tremendous and admirable act in turning this tragic event into a catalyst to inspire others to live a big life, just like Cameron did. In the words of Cameron’s mother, this is about the Live A Big Life idea that has inspired our bike ride + fundraiser.

There was always something about Cameron that seemed BIG – his intelligence, his curiosity, his passions, his creativity – he even grew to 6’ 3’.  He tested every boundary – especially with things physical.

If he had a passion for something, and he had many, he would pursue it with endless energy until he mastered it – and most often he did.  Skateboarding, boogie boarding, wake boarding, skim boarding, snowboarding, surfing – you got it – he liked boards. For Cameron, they provided a challenge and a sense of freedom that he always enjoyed, as well as an important life lesson.  For Cameron these board sports taught him early in life that ‘when you fall, you need to get right back up’. 

Cameron’s commitment to follow his dreams, even amidst hardship is what seemed to so resonate with other people. He lived BIG in his short life, and encouraged others to live big too. 

What does it mean to live a BIG life?  Well that depends on you. For Cameron it was snowboarding down snow shoots in Patagonia or finding the perfect wave.  His memory has challenged many of us to define what it means for us to live big.  What it means to stretch our self to try new things, and follow our dreams. 

So what a fitting memory and legacy to help others to follow their dream too…