Award-winning teen takes cancer fight to Mexico

By THERESA GARNER

Cameron Duncan will not be taking his oncologist's advice to go on a long holiday to prepare for his death.

The Auckland teenager will instead fly to a clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, to undergo alternative therapy to fight his cancer.

Two weeks ago, 16-year-old Cameron featured in the Herald celebrating his success at the Wanganui Rivercity Film Festival.

He had won several awards for his short film about his year-long battle with bone cancer.

Cameron found out last week from his Starship oncologist that his cancer had spread to his lungs and was inoperable.

His mother, Sharon, said the family were devastated to be told that Cameron had just months to live and that he should enjoy them as much as possible.

She said Cameron had been accepted by the International BioCare Hospital in Mexico to undergo up to a month's treatment.

Family and friends were rallying to raise the funds to send him there.

Many members of the public were moved as the articulate and intelligent young man talked about his situation on Holmes. A trust fund has raised more than $20,000.

Mrs Duncan said Cameron had been planning to do many more things, including make a feature film. He had been asked to direct a commercial about organ donors, and the band Rubicon wanted him to make a music video. He was putting those things aside to go to Mexico.

"He doesn't have an option," Mrs Duncan said. "There aren't any choices anywhere else in the world. He has to take that risk.

"He is not prepared to say, 'This is the end of my life'."

At Avondale College, where Cameron is a prefect, students and staff are coming to terms with the news. Principal Brent Lewis said Cameron was highly regarded not just because of his talent but because of his character and integrity. "He was a role model even before he got sick and now that respect has grown."

* Contributions to the Cameron Duncan Trust Fund may be made at any ASB Bank.

* Cameron's short film, DFK6498, can be viewed on the website Mediaart