Creating through vulnerability and pain

Hi there. My name is Cameron and I regard myself as being very lucky, giving, creative, resilient, funny (I think so anyway ), but tired.

I was diagnosed with Kidney cancer in 2008, which left me paralysed on left side. Although extremely challenging mentally and physically I discovered the gift of creativity as a form of healing.

During the last 15 years I have lost lots of close family members and friends to cancer. Whilst, dealing with my own recovery and the grief process I used music, writing and jewellery making, not only as a personal outlet, but as a way to give back to others. However, I was diagnosed with cancer again in 2018, and have been on a 6 year journey with various treatments.

The last couple of years in particular have been both traumatic and beautiful as I navigate this ever changing path in my life.

I am experiencing severe bouts of pain attacks and sickness due to treatment and illness and I am looking for support and help.

I have found that one of the few ways to focus and find purpose during long episodes of pain is through painting and jewellery making. The process of being creative takes me away from the moment and into a deep, colourful, amazing world where everything is possible.

So I am looking for your support to allow me to continue to be creative, and to continue to tell my story whilst inspiring others. Helping them to find a creative outlet through their own journey with trauma, cancer and chronic pain. It’s important that we all live our legacy rather than just leave it behind once we are gone.

So 1) I have been advised by my specialists recently to try a few sessions of hyperbaric treatment as the additional oxygen in body may alleviate treatment side effects and the pain caused by cancer, however it is expensive 2) I am looking for financial support to allow me to buy artistic materials and continue expressing myself but 3) also to try different health, herbal and creative therapies to boost my soul whilst on this difficult and challenging journey.

The current economic climate, lack of support for long term chronic pain, cancer sufferers and creators whilst rising costs increase are now making it difficult for me. I have a few amazing supporters who have made my life easier but thought I would widen the circle.