Meet Cameron Golman: 16 countries in one month for a good cause

cystic fibrosis

What lengths would you be willing to go to in order to raise funds and awareness for charity? Go bungee jumping? Take the plunge in a diving cage to feed great white sharks? How about wrestling a 400-pound bear?

Meet Cameron Golman, a passionate traveler who is more than willing to tackle these adventures, and many more, in an effort to raise global awareness of Cystic Fibrosis. When he set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation back in January, he vowed to try a new extreme challenge for every $1,000 donated. Since then, over $27,000 has been donated to the charity… and Cameron has quite a few adventures planned for this month!

cystic fibrosis

The inspiration behind the movement

Cameron was inspired to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) because of his older sister, Randell, and her personal battle with the disease. Despite the health challenges his sister has encountered, she has displayed amazing determination, reaching every goal she has set for herself in all areas of her life. Randell graduated from a prestigious business university, competed in sports, and earned two Emmy Awards from her contributions at WGN. Cameron writes on his GoFundMe page that, “My sister Randell is the most resilient and determined human I have ever been fortunate to come across. She is, and will always be, my greatest role for living life to its fullest.”

Cameron Golman’s journey

Cameron states that his multi-country journey will be an attempt to match the courage and resiliency displayed by his sister and everyone else who has been diagnosed with CF. This month, he will be traveling to a grand total of 17 countries, including:

In each country he visits, Cameron will put his bravery to the test by mountain climbing, cliff jumping, caving, paragliding, and embarking on other heart-pounding extreme challenges. He has begun posting about his adventure on Instagram, enrapturing his audience with his various adrenaline-fueled activities, all while explaining that he’s doing so in order to raise awareness for those with CF.

Our interview with Cameron Golman

We were inspired by Cameron’s passion for helping others and his enthusiasm for travel, so we were more than happy to support his noble cause. We were also given the opportunity to learn more about his adventures during an interview, where he gave us more insight into his past, his experiences so far, and his goals for this campaign. Here’s what we discovered:

cystic fibrosis
cystic fibrosis

Tell our readers about yourself.

My name is Cameron Golman and I am 27 years old. I graduated Top of My Class from a prestigious business university (Kelley School of Business), which I will return to in the Fall for my Masters in Business Administration. During the course of my undergraduate studies, on the side, I earned my Pilot’s license (I even went on to earn additional ratings such as an Instrument Rating) to conquer my fear of flying; to this day, I fly very often for the fun if it! Like many others, I fear that which I do know. I have reservations when dealing with uncertainty; however, I never let my fears or doubts thwart me from putting one foot in front of the other and experiencing the unknown: especially to support a great cause such as The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

cystic fibrosis
cystic fibrosis

Tell us about your fundraising campaign.

Since I was 14 years old, I have supported The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through volunteer work and committee membership. While I have a personal investment in the hundreds to cure Cystic Fibrosis (my sister was born with CF, and I carry the gene), I strongly believe that no human should suffer alone—whether the affliction be mental, physical, or spiritual…we are all on this planet together: as one! My sister will always be my idol. She commands respect and attention every time she enters the room; Randell is a born leader. Without Randell as an inspiration, I would be a coward playing video games and eating junk food, wasting the very gift of life. It is for this reason, above all, I am dedicated to making sure everyone has equal access to the generous gift of life. After the massive success of the recent CF CHEF’S GALA, I was determined to further contribute to CFF: but how?

I always knew the plan was to travel once more before I commence my MBA in the Fall of 2019…but, is there a way to merge my passion for travel with my dream of curing CF?

cystic fibrosis
cystic fibrosis

Why do you travel?

The answer to the aforementioned quandary is this very fundraiser: Small Step For Cam, Giant Leap For Cystic Fibrosis. Initially, especially after the substantial success of the CF GALA, I only envisioned a couple hundred. Why? Well, I was only planning on engaging with a few millennials and immediate peers that couldn’t participate or attend the Gala. Whether their reasons be financial or due to scheduling conflicts, it was important for me to maintain the interest of my generation in philanthropy and supporting good causes such as Cystic Fibrosis Research. For those that know me, they know I am enthralled by the mere idea of traveling somewhere new and foreign. But, what good is to spend on travel when those funds could go directly to CFF? The answer is very simple.

Truth: This trip has resulted in less of my personal savings, then if I remained in the United States. How? First, I am an expert on travel—no one can plan travel like me and ultimately save as much as I can WITHOUT compromising the quality of the trip. Secondly, as a side hobby, I have planned travel for 42 clients since July of 2018. I have placed a client in every continent on the planet, AND, I have a client on a waitlist to go into OUTER SPACE! Where I am different than most travel agents is that I plan the kinds of trips that money can’t buy: unique experiences that without leveraging relationships…the experiences would never come to fruition. These experiences include private tours of The Sistine Chapel (when it isn’t even open to the public), extreme (not commercial) risk-taking excursions, and real local immersion. Over the course of my personal travels, compounded with those of my clients, I have accrued relationships around the world that enable the trips I plan to have truly one-of-a-kind experiences. Additionally, I have also amassed travel points that I have applied to this trip; As I visit 16 countries, my airfare was fully covered, including taxes! Beyond that, I have used my points towards excursions, accommodations, and miscellaneous expenses. Furthermore, as this fundraiser ascertained significant exposure, various organizations volunteered their time and resources either at a discounted rate or ENTIRELY FREE! Lastly, it was important to me to be extremely frugal, so, I brought with me 132 protein bars to eat! Thus, my dining expense is relatively inexistent; I eat out, at most, once a day! No, I do not mind eating the same thing everyday. I don’t ever travel for the sights, landmarks, museums, or adulation of it all…I TRAVEL FOR THE PEOPLE—ALWAYS. In summation, not only is every penny donated through the GoFundMe go directly to the CFF, but even every penny that comes out of my pocket on this trip is heavily scrutinized.

cystic fibrosis
cystic fibrosis

In what way are you raising awareness for Cystic Fibrosis through your travels?

How to engage with millennials without the endorsement of Justin Bieber? This is how I perceive that question. Simple, create a platform that isn’t just a cash deposit. I want everyone who donates, who shares my page, or raises awareness for the CFF to feel as though they are a part of something bigger. Something that not only can they contribute to, but also participate in—in real-time. Therefore, at every $1,000 I raised, I pledged to take on a life-threatening, daring, phobia-testing adventure. Some of these adventures were even suggested by patients suffering from Cystic Fibrosis, that, sadly, cannot experience these opportunities for themselves. So, everyone can live vicariously through me as I soil pants and barely make it through the day intact. From boxing in a real tournament in Moscow to Free Solo Mountain Climbing…the adventure never ends…and hopefully, I don’t either.

What is the story behind the life-risking adventures you are experiencing?

Just like in American media: violence, adrenaline, and action sells! So, I have to push the envelope to be different and to resonate with anyone visiting my fundraiser. Make no mistake, I am a coward, NOT an adrenaline junkie. I am scared breathless at some of these events, even at the mere concept of them.

cystic fibrosis
cystic fibrosis

What is the riskiest challenge you have undertaken so far?

I would say boxing. I have been practicing boxing for almost 3 years, but I have never sparred without adequate supervision and protection. Going to box in a real tournament in Russia meant exposing myself to a concussion, brain damage, and quite frankly being medically trapped in Russia. To commit to this, I even had to lie to my loving mother…as she would not endorse this. Luckily, I pulled through and even won: by knockout nonetheless. Still, I sustained some serious damage and I had to be treated medically. Feel free to see the image of my face that leaked…despite only sharing it with family! It is posted on my Instagram: camerongolman

BNESIM is the travel companion of many “wanderlusters” sharing their travel photos with the hashtag #bnesimppl. How can our travel community help you?

You have already helped me, more than you can ever know. No matter how far I travel, no matter what risk I take, or even when things go wrong…I have always remained connected with my family, friends, and this fundraiser. And for that, BNESIM is a true hero and a true asset to this fundraiser. Without the reliable quality of your service, I wouldn’t have the final inch of strength, courage, and willpower to take on each date. Thank you. My only hope outside of raising awareness for Cystic Fibrosis is the hope that every traveler is aware of the value your service can provide. There are many choices or substitutes when it comes to global data—believe me I have used them all: from peers in the industry to my homeland carrier’s travel plans…but none of them have come close to gifting me FULL BARS of 4G LTE when I need it most. It is also worth mentioning that on more than one occasion I have had a better quality of service than locals! Thank you for helping to keep me safe; you have earned my trust and you have become the first consideration whenever I plan a trip internationally.

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