John Cameron has been giving back to his community for more than four decades – doing everything from running support groups for people with AIDS, organizing awareness events and just driving people to medical appointments.
Cameron said he was “one of the lucky ones” to survive full-blown AIDS and hepatitis B – thanks to his doctors, Dr. Julio Montaner in Vancouver and Dr. Richard Sagorin at the Richmond Hospital. And even though as he’s getting older and his health isn’t great, he believes it shouldn’t hinder him from continuing to help where he can.
“Even if your health is limited, you can do a lot from your kitchen table or computer,” he said.
Cameron was honoured last week with a Medal of Good Citizenship for all his volunteer work to bring services and support to people living with AIDS.
Although he was grateful for the recognition, he said all the work done to support people with AIDS in Vancouver and Richmond is a “group effort,” with a lot of people working toward the same goals.
Cameron was the first person in Richmond to openly come out with AIDS. Since then, he has been instrumental in establishing support groups and harm reduction measures in both Richmond and Vancouver as well as advocating for support for people with hepatitis and substance use issues.