I have this thing when it comes to features. Some writers are fine doing the interview(s) by phone. I can't do it like that. I can, but it just ain't the same. In Kameron's story, a phone conversation with him and his parents wasn't going to convey the sheer emotion of what happened on Sept. 21 and 22, 2007.

I'm glad I stuck to my approach. It's been 26 years now that I've written feature stories (fewer now than before), and talking with Kameron, his family, friends and coach brought me back to different places. If you were a player (I was), coach (done that), brother, friend ... what Kameron battled through is gut-wrenching, pun intended. The fact that he accepts what happened and made the best of it is even more satisfying for any of us who may have never met him, but will be cheering for him this week, and through the rest of his playing career on the hardwood.

I wasn't the first to write about his injury (I think) and I won't be the last. I just like the fact that he and his family were so open to me, so willing to share their experience, painful and scary as it was. I'm glad they did. It gives me courage. It may give other folks courage, too.

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