An inspiring story is unfolding in California as an Altadena man walks 700 miles from Altadena to Paradise to raise money and awareness for wildfire survivors. After losing his family home in the Eaton Fire in January, Demitri Camperos set out on a month-long journey to support others coping with similar devastation.
Camperos travelled the length of the state, moving through the Central Valley on foot with the goal of raising funds for the Eaton Fire Collaborative — a partnership of more than 150 nonprofits, community groups and state officials working to assist affected families.
Before beginning the trek, Camperos said in a video message, “I am walking 700 miles from Altadena to Paradise to raise money for fire victims. Why? Because I’m one of them.” He described starting the journey at one of the lowest emotional points of his life, dealing with the physical and mental toll of losing his home.
Walking, he said, became a powerful act of healing. Equipped with only a backpack and a playlist full of motivational songs, he shared daily updates on his progress through a GoFundMe page. Long stretches on the road gave him time to reflect, reconnect with people and regain clarity.
The idea for the walk was sparked while he was substitute teaching a high school class. The lesson included the story of Doris “Granny D” Haddock, who walked from the Rose Bowl to Washington, D.C., in 1999. That story convinced Camperos that he, too, could walk long distances for a cause. Paradise became the natural destination — a community still rebuilding seven years after the Camp Fire.
When Camperos finally arrived in Paradise, he was warmly received by residents. “There’s so much power and love in community. I felt that in Paradise,” he said, expressing confidence that Altadena can also rebuild with strength and unity.
He shared that the greatest lesson from the experience has been rediscovering people’s kindness. “In this day and age, it’s easier to find differences than what ties us together,” he said. The people he met and the support he received have transformed him, leaving him feeling better than ever.
As a token of solidarity, the mayor of Paradise gifted him a hat that reads “Paradise Strong.” Camperos now carries it proudly, saying it represents the shared resilience of both towns. “Altadena’s strong,” he said. “That unity throughout our state is something I’m always grateful for.”
