Weights clink and exercise bikes whir at ConocoPhillips’ Houston Wellness Center. Every day, employees, retirees and family members enjoy the center's state-of-the-art equipment, personal training, and in-person and virtual classes, taking advantage of one of the many ways the company fosters an inclusive environment.
On Tuesday afternoons, Cameron Kocurek, the son of Principal Engineer Chris Kocurek, works out with personal trainer Nathan Kennedy. In 2024, at the age of 19, Cameron, who has Down syndrome, began a remarkable journey to fitness. It started when Cameron observed his parents working out with their personal trainer. A few years earlier, Chris and his wife Melissa started a program to improve their fitness and brought their youngest son along to the gym for their weekly sessions.
“He was sitting there watching mom and dad get healthy and strong and he was inspired,” Chris said. “He wanted to join but insisted on having his own trainer.”
This was a pivotal moment for the family. They approached the Wellness Center staff to discuss Cameron’s special needs, and to their delight, they found Nathan, a trainer who had a passion for working with individuals with disabilities. Nathan had worked with Special Olympics powerlifters since 2013, and was still working with his very first client, who broke the Texas state deadlift record in his weight class in 2017.
“I was excited to work with Cameron!” Nathan said. “I had lifted with him before and was already impressed by his strength.”
Cameron has been equally excited to work with Nathan, and interact with several Wellness Center regulars, who invite him to join their sets.
"I enjoy the challenging workouts with Nate and my gym friends, especially doing dips and bench press,” he said. “Nathan has helped me to develop perfect form, and I love seeing my muscles grow. It feels powerful and fun."
Cameron’s progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. The sessions increased Cameron’s physical strength and significantly improved his core stability and motor skills. These gains are crucial for individuals with Down syndrome, who typically have reduced muscle tone and impaired coordination.
“He’s made great progress especially in refining his technique and form to ensure longevity in his training,” Nathan said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he soon competes at a high level or even breaks Texas records.”
The benefits of Cameron’s journey extend well beyond physical fitness.
“Cameron’s confidence and independence have grown immensely,” Chris said.
This growth marks significant steps toward the goal of Cameron living independently in the future.
Inclusivity, a key element of ConocoPhillips’ culture, led to the creation in 2020 of the ABLE (A Better Life for Everyone) Employee Resource Group (ERG) to support those with disabilities and their families.
“We established ABLE to help people with disabilities or who have loved ones with disabilities connect, share experiences and raise awareness across the employee base," said Staff Geoscientist and ABLE co-founder Jennifer Hoyt. "I am so proud of our fitness center for taking extra steps to make people with disabilities feel seen and welcome."
The ABLE ERG provides a platform for families to share resources and advice, helping each other navigate the complexities of raising children with special needs. As a member, for example, Chris compiled a list of high schools and colleges with programs for students with disabilities that he shares with other parents.
Support from ABLE and the inclusive culture at ConocoPhillips have been instrumental in Cameron’s development. His story is a testament to the power of community support and the importance of inclusive environments.
“It has inspired many of our colleagues and led to increased awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families,” Jennifer said.
Cameron attended The Arbor School and The Tuttle School for eight years each, graduating from a high school equivalent program. Now in a transition program at Briarwood/Tuttle, he gains customer service experience at the café, assists as a physical education coach, and participates in Special Olympics programs. He also works at Lakeside Country Club and Brookwood Community, while being active in Showcase Gymnastics, Young Life Capernaum and Grace Fellowship Katy Bridge Special Needs church. Despite his busy schedule, the family reserves Monday or Tuesday evenings for family time.
Bradley, Cameron's older brother, is a Chemical Engineering senior at Texas Tech University, and Sosina, his older sister, is a Civil Engineering senior at the University of Houston. Cameron looks up to Bradley and aspires to follow in his footsteps, including going to college. Sosina, who is adopted from Ethiopia, was quickly embraced by Cameron as his sister. The siblings are aware of their unique family dynamics and are supportive of Cameron while preparing for their own futures.
“Melissa and I strive to allow them to mature independently,” Chris said, “recognizing that they will play a significant role in Cameron's life in the years to come.”
Chris and Melissa have big dreams for Cameron. They hope his passion for fitness will continue to grow. “He might even compete in Special Olympics weightlifting events in the future,” Chris said.
On Tuesday afternoons, as Cameron works out with Nathan at the ConocoPhillips Wellness Center, his resolve to keep going is fueled by the unwavering support of his family, the staff and the broader ConocoPhillips community. Together, they are building a brighter, more inclusive future, one workout at a time.
Did you know?
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21st every year. The day raises awareness of Down syndrome and is part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The 21st day of March was chosen to represent the unique triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.