Camper rejoices, gives thanks

Camper rejoices, gives thanks
By Frank Burlison, Sports Columnist
Posted: 12/29/2008 11:05:32 PM PST

Brian Camper's fingers were busy on his cell phone Monday morning, texting friends and family members.

"I want to thank all of you for your support and prayers during my kidney struggles ... it will be three years on Dec. 30th ... thanks and may God bless."

It's an anniversary which will always bring the same reaction for Camper - tears of joy.

Three years ago today, Camper received a kidney transplanted from a 46-year-old woman from New Cumberland, Pa., who had read of his need for a kidney on a national database that tries to match potential donors to those suffering from kidney disease or failure.

And the first thing on the 37-year-old Camper's agenda this morning when he awakes in his Lakewood home is to call the 49-year-old Brenda Wells and reiterate his, and his family's, eternal gratitude.

"I always get very emotional as the (anniversary) date gets closer," the former Lakewood and Long Beach State basketball standout said Monday morning.

"I know there were so many people who were there for me when I needed it. And I call Brenda to thank her again, more than anything. She changed my life drastically."

After calling Wells, his celebration of the anniversary will center around expressing his thanks to as many people as he can, and staying as close to his wife Jennifer and sons Joshua (7) and Jacob (2) as possible all day.

"Usually," said Camper, who teaches social studies at Lou Dantzler Prep Charter High School in the L.A. Unified School District, "I spend most of the day crying, knowing how much that day (three years ago) means to me and my family."

http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_11333805