Cameron inspires Hospital Compassionate Care  / Sharon (MUM)
Late director continues to inspire
By JUSTIN LATIF - Western Leader | Friday, 15 August 2008

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INSPIRING DIRECTOR: Cameron Duncan died of osteosarcoma cancer in November, 2003.

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It's been five years since budding film director Cameron Duncan died of cancer at 17.


But still his influence lives on.

One of Cameron’s most poignant pieces of work was a short video clip highlighting the hardships of chemotherapy and life in hospital.

The piece was shown on the Holmes show shortly before Cameron’s death and was included as a special feature on a Lord of the Rings DVD directed by his friend and mentor Peter Jackson.

Among those who originally saw it was Waitakere Hospital anaesthetist Robin Youngson, who has spent the last 20 years campaigning to make hospitals more caring and humane environments.

Robin, 52, was touched by Cameron’s work and inspired to step up his own efforts.

Now his hard work has come to fruition.

Robin launched the Centre for Compassion website this month.

The site is a resource for healthcare workers, offering them access to support and counselling services.

Robin says hospital staff are often left to fend for themselves after dealing with tragic and sometimes horrific situations.

Police and other emergency workers, by comparison, are offered assistance with post traumatic stress.

"I’ve seen so many terrible traumas as a doctor," Robin says.

"They make you detach yourself from your emotions and we can seem uncaring.

"That’s why the emotional experience of patients can be so depressing."

He believes a shift in attitudes could make New Zealand’s hospitals more attractive places to work.

"If we really focus on making a safe and healthy environment for health professionals we are less likely to lose staff overseas and as a consequence we will provide more humane care for patients."

Robin is using Cameron’s work as a resource for doctors.

He hopes the clips will give them a greater insight.

Cameron’s mother Sharon is honoured to see her son’s work put to good use.

"Cameron has obviously been a huge influence in the changing of attitudes towards patients in New Zealand," she says.

"It’SPs nice to know that five years after his death he still lives on."

Go to the website www.compassioninhealthcare.org for more information about the Centre of Compassion and upcoming seminars.

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RIP Cameron.  / Laura Wilkes

I have just recently watched Lord of the rings, The return of the king, and Cameron's part near the end. It was so interesting, and full of emotion that I couldnt stop crying.

They were tears of sadness, that a boy SO talented, and I mean ridiulously talented, was taken away. The things he was writing and stuff he was acting out when he was like 12/13 ad younger is fantastic. I know in my heart that if we hadnt lost him, he would be hugley popular right now. Well he would to me, a fan of directing and scriptwriting and drama. His work was beyond terrific. It only pains me we dont get to see more.

Like Cameron said at the end of one his commercials "I don't want to be forgotten" or something along the lines, well I dont think Im ever going to forget him. And everytime i hear into the west, Im going to think of him.

Though his life was shortlived. He is a great inspiration to me.

RIP.

Laura.

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Happy 22nd Cam :-)  / Helena (friend)
A few close friends celebrated Camerons 22nd birthday with Sharon and Chanel in Tauranga. 22 helium balloons were released at Papamoa Beach tonight, all bearing affectionate notes to Cameron, 'batman", brother and friend.

Sharon brief yet touching speech expressed everyones feelings, "No matter how many years go by, we will always acknowledge your birthday Cam, and we will never forget you, Happy Birthday Cameron" The group sang Happy Birthday to the stars, on a clear moonlight night, and released the balloons above the ocean.

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Cameron Duncan Memorial Tournament postponed  / Sharon Duncan (mum)

An unprecedented storm in Auckland last weekend initially forced the Cameron Duncan Memorial U17s Tournament to be postponed until this Sunday however due to an early Easter claiming the softball field hand-over in March this year, other major tournaments and last weeks rain-outs, it was decided to defer the Cameron Duncan Memorial until November 2008, the start of the new 2008/2009 softball season.

"I am disappointed, naturally, but it will happen, and it's fabulous of the Bears to initiate this tournament in the first place.
We had arranged to have Cameron's softball memorabilia on display at the event, programmes were meticulously designed by Rhys & Hoops, it's a pity the weather let us down. It will happen though, with a new set of Under17s, in November. C'est la vie" says Cameron's mum.


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Cameron Duncan Memorial Tournament  / Sharon Duncan (mum)

On Sunday 2 March 2008, at Starling Park, Ranui, Auckland, Waitakere Bears Softball Club will host the inaugural annual Cameron Duncan Memorial Tournament for U17Boys, in memory of their most famous fallen hero. 

Cameron Duncan began his softball career with Waitakere Bears Softball Club as a 7 year-old teeballer in 1993. He progressed through the age-grade ranks making Auckland selection from the age of 11.

He was always one of the top pitchers and batters of the age-grade Nationals, earning himself Top Pitcher and Best & Fairest Player in 2001.

By 15, he was coaching a tee-ball side, was selected for the Baby Black Sox, the Junior Black Sox and was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer).

After having his knee removed and an artificial titanium joint put in, and almost a year of chemotherapy, he returned to softball at U17s Nationals and was selected for the Tournament Rest team in 2003.

In May 2003, SoftballNZ welcomed Cameron into the Black Sox team with an honorary membership and Shirt No. 41.

Cameron’s love of the game is displayed in his award-winning short-film “Strike Zone” which features some current and former World Champion Black Sox and his former teammates. "Strike Zone" helped to inspire the 2004 Black Sox team to a third World Championship title. Tournament organisers paid tribute to Cameron by naming the main grandstand "The Cameron Duncan Stand".

Sadly, Cameron Duncan passed away in November 2003 at age 17 years. He fit alot of achieving in his short lifetime and did not want to be forgotten. His famous catch-phrase will forever serve to remind us

"You only regret the things you didn't do - No Regrets Guys!"

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Cameron was a very inspirational young man  / Brandon Hardaker (none)
When I saw the appendix on the lord of the rings i was very inspired. When I was 12, I had two tumors removed. One from my brain and one from my spinal column. They were both cancerous. Both times, I had to learn how to walk and think again. It was very hard. I can only imagine the pain you and he went through. I offer my condolences.
702 newark pompton tpke apt. 1104
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I share your tears  / Sue Straumann
Mrs. Duncan,

When I saw you had to substitute a lifesize cardboard cutout for your son at his 21st birthday party, my heart completely broke for you and for your family.  I can't imagine life being any more unfair than that.  I wish with all my heart that I could say something that could ease your suffering over Cameron's loss, but I am just a stranger, who lives half a globe away from New Zealand.  Even so, know that today, this stranger cried with you.

Sue S. Close

It's been 4 years Cam  / Sharon Duncan (mum)
Four years have quickly passed us by 
Yet still we sit and wonder why
Such a talent as yourself
Was somehow given such bad health.

Four years of dragging ourselves through life
Barely keeping out of strife
Getting nowhere without concern
See what's happened since you've gone?

Your dad, myself and sister too
thought the absolute world of you
Together with friends and family
Ask why you left them and me?

We  try to accept there is a plan
All according to The Man
But hey our function lights are out
Wish we could turn it all about

Wish this was just a movie trick
and you could come back double-quick
Wish you could mess your room again
and ignore me when I complain
and pitch the ball against the wall
and blow up crackers like before
Wish you could play with nephews too
They miss all that you used to do
and all your mates and Nelz and dad
Long desparately for the times we had.

Sorry Cam just had to say
we love and miss you every day.

Mum


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Urupa declines Cameron's headstone  / Sharon Duncan (mum)

How disappointing that permission to unveil a fitting tribute to a very special young man has not been granted.  It seems the design is too large to be acceptable in an area of the cemetery reserved only for Maori, where the height restriction is ludicrous.  

It was my intention this year to lay this headstone on Cameron's grave (his 21st year) on the anniversary of his passing, which is 12 November. Instead, this year will be marked, with a gathering at his graveside at 2pm Sunday November 11th.

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In Memory of a brave & courageous young man.  / Ian Welch
Although i never met Cameron in person, the quality of the films that he made and the courage and strength that he showed in battling against his illness were an inspiration to us all.   He will be fondly remembered as an extraordinary young man & a sorely missed talent.

Rest In Peace Cameron.

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