Funny, energetic, adventurous, entrepreneurial spirit, awesome dog dad.
Described by his mother as “your typical all-American teenager,” Cam had a family that loved and adored him unconditionally. He followed in every footstep of his older brother, Hayden, often pushing his buttons, which motivated Hayden to develop a lot of patience. Cam was often his mother’s “plus one” on work trips, traveling to various locations and making memories together that Becky still cherishes. Cam was smart, charismatic, handsome, and a gifted athlete excelling in soccer and becoming a state champion in hurdling. He also participated in the Junior Olympics in 2017. Cam’s best friend, Evan, was like a brother to him, and his constant companion was his dog, Bailey.
Only 19 when he passed, Cam was still into teenage things–like video games, gatherings with friends, family events, running, and exploring. While he was taking time off from academics to figure out a career path and investigate colleges, he was doing a good job of adulting. An entrepreneur, he had a power washing and lawn maintenance business. He took before and after photos of his work, never leaving a job until he was sure his customer was 100% satisfied. He shared an apartment with a roommate, had a vehicle and insurance he paid for, and enough money to cover his living expenses. His independence made him and his family proud.
Quirky and goofy, he lived to make people laugh and lift the mood of everyone he encountered. He was there for his friends, in hard times, truly caring for those around him. He valued time with loved ones, but also needed solitude to manage his anxiety and depression. Due to substance use disorder in the family, Becky educated her sons regarding substance use. Still, in his sophomore year in high school, Cam began using marijuana, leading to other drugs that gave him some relief from stress, and helped him feel “normal.” He eventually sought treatment and was on a path to living a sober life, when he relapsed. He purchased ONE pill from a social media site. What he ordered was valium; what he received was a pill with enough fentanyl to kill multiple people.
When Cam was in active addiction, he was often agitated, removed from his friends, and would pick fights with his family so he would have reason to leave. His family rode the lows of problems arising from Cam’s SUD, and celebrated his wins, always by his side.
Becky misses the pure joy of Cam’s presence. “He was truly such a funny, quirky kid that kept everyone in stitches around him.” Becky said. She will forever have the sweet vision of him coming through the door, his voice calling out to her, “Hey mama….sup?” Becky now returns to
places they travelled together, leaving small portions of his ashes in spots of special memories.
After her experience with Cam’s substance use disorder, Becky is emphatic with those living with addiction. “Talking about it gives others permission to know they are not alone and that it’s okay to share their story,” Becky said.
To honor Cam and hopefully save lives, Becky founded her non-profit, A Change for Cam, to help raise awareness among students, parents, and communities regarding the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs, and to help fight the stigma of addiction.
Cam’s mother, Becky White, provided the information for this narrative.
September 3, 2001-March 20, 2021-Age 19
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
