Help achieve #Justice4Cam the victim of a vicious attack

Hi, my name is Janine, and my friend of 40 years, Sonia, is currently living through a parent’s worst nightmare.

Nearly two weeks ago, Chris & Sonia's 22 year-old son Cameron was the victim of a ‘coward punch’ (an unprovoked, unexpected kick to the head while his back was turned) while on his way home after a night out with friends.

Cam suffered critical head injuries as a direct result of this cowardly strike, as he fell to the hard ground and fractured his skull. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and then rushed to the Gold Coast University Hospital for emergency surgery. He spent the next seven days in ICU on life support. Despite the best care from highly trained medical professionals, and every possible medical and drug intervention, as well as Cam’s best attempts to fight to recover, Cam’s head injuries were too traumatic and severe for him to overcome. The doctors and neurosurgical specialists advised the family there was no chance of recovery or survival. His family then had to say their final goodbyes and let Cam go.

This senseless act of violence has had a devastating impact. It has not only shattered Sonia & Chris but Cam’s sisters Brianna & Tayla, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. It has affected our family, including my own son, a paramedic himself, who spent time with Cam growing up.

The perpetrator has been charged, but has been let out on bail. The perpetrator is currently walking around free, while Cam’s family will continue to suffer forever.

The suffering that they are experiencing is unimaginable. A parent should not have to bury their child.

Chris shared, “Our hearts are broken. Our lives will never be the same. The world has lost one of the genuinely good people who brought joy, laughter and love to all of those he met.”

Sonia also shared, “What we are going through right now is something I can't explain, I have no words for. We want justice and we don't want anyone else to have to go through what we are going through. Cam was a much better version of me. He had my heart and emotions, but with a wicked sense of humour. He knew who he was, and he was an amazing young man.”

From his sister Brianna, ‘My Beautiful Brother Cameron David Duce. I have a croak in my throat, my eyes are dried and my heart aches. I cannot believe you were taken from us. You were an amazing son, brother, uncle and friend. Emotionally intelligent, kind hearted, biggest jokester. Your nieces absolutely adored you and I know you were proud to be their uncle. They are your girls’.

From his sister Tayla, ‘Cameron was a kind and loving soul, destined for greatness. His potential was taken from us far too soon. I am so sorry this happened to you. You fought with incredible strength until your last moment, and I am immensely proud of you. I promise to honor your memory by living fully, just as you would have wanted. The pain of your loss leaves an indescribable void in our hearts.’

It will be a long road ahead for Sonia, Chris, and the girls.

Their friends want to help them in any way possible as they deal with their sorrow, and of course many other emotions, including grief, loss and anger.

Anger about what happened, why it happened, how it happened and what should be happening now.

If you could please consider donating some money - every small donation will add up - and go towards the family’s immediate and ongoing costs.

There will be ongoing costs directly related to Cam’s passing, like funeral arrangements, but also other costs while they take time off work to deal with this tragedy. They would like to be able to create some sort of memorial for Cam, and that will come with significant cost. Funds raised will also go towards any future legal costs as they continue to fight for justice for Cam. This alone will easily run into tens of thousands of dollars, possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of the court case.

Remember, currently the perpetrator is out on bail. This is WRONG. Please help my friends with the funds they need to fight this and make it right!

Your financial support will not undo this absolute tragedy, but will go a long way to supporting my dear friend and her family, and get #Justice4Cam.

Thank you for reading this and thank you for caring.

Cameron Duce. Forever 22. #Justice4Cam

I am posting this with consultation and consent on behalf of Cameron Duce's family.