Leonardo Camargo : Peer Support Volunteer
Meet Leonardo Camargo, aka dasalsakidand unitedIstand, a graduate of Palma High in Salinas, CA, Santa Clara University, and the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Center. Leonardo is not your average guy, he is a National Hispanic
Scholar, MVP and captain on his HS soccer team, All-Star soccer player, HS student body president, and intramural soccer player at Santa Clara University.
Although Leonardo had met most challenges in his life head on, his adjustment to a spinal cord injury took time. His accident happened during the spring break of his final year of college. It wasn't easy to miss out on all the fun and feeling of accomplishment that comes with this time.
Fortunately, Leonardo received wonderful support from his professors, friends, and family. Leonardo shared that at least one family member spent the night with him during his entire stay at SCVMC. The University of Santa Clara community also showed their constant support. He was visited by the University president, professors, as well as many of his good buds.
Leonardo played coed intramural soccer at SCU for four years. His senior year, they won the championship and the team presented him with his winning tee shirt during a hospital visit.
Even so, Leonardo struggled to turn in his final paper, being in denial of his SCI and missing his final days in college. It took him four years to turn in that final paper and receive his BSC Marketing degree.
Leonardo's school years
Leonardo's other SCI related issue relates to being open about his special needs in bladder and bowl care. When out with friends he tends to ignore his care, not wanting to inconvenience anyone. Leonardo's mentor was Curt Carrell. He met with Curt periodically over a period of one year, and received many helpful hints from Curt, as well as a great attitude about SCI.
Leonardo has two siblings, his sister is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and his brother teaches seventh grade History at a private high school in Los Angeles.
Leonardo was an intern at a San Jose advertising agency prior to his injury. This led to his first professional position, which he started after he completed SCI rehab. Leonardo then worked as a marketing assistant for a publishing company, and his last job was as a budget analyst for a government agency in Seaside, CA.
Leonardo speaks Spanish fluently, and his parents immigrated from Colombia, South America when his father joined the US Army. Leonardo was born in Germany, where his father was stationed.
Leonardo now volunteers for the Adult Literacy Program at the Monterey County Free Libraries, whose goal is to meet the needs of the many adults in Monterey County with limited literacy skills. In this role, Leonardo teaches reading to adults in a one-on-one setting. He is helping to extend the program to help adults with limited language skills to understand the medical care system in the US. Most of his students speak English as a second language, and have not had to deal with the extensive paperwork required to get adequate healthcare. Leonardo has developed a passion for this kind of work, because it directly benefits others. He is even considering making this his life's profession.
Literacy Training Volunteer
Leonardo's latest interest is wheelchair lacrosse, a game he was introduced to at the Abilities Expo '09 in Anaheim. He discovered his love for soccer could be translated into lacrosse, which has similar rules. He is going to pull together a team on the central coast that will be able to compete with other amateur teams.
Wheelchair Lacrosse
We celebrate you Leonardo Camargo, and we wish you all the best on life's journey. Your passion to help others and adventurous spirit will serve you well.
Update March 30, 2010 - Leonardo takes part in a lacrosse camp in San Jose. See video
