When Victor and Libby Boyce misplaced their 20-year-old son Cameron to SUDEP (Sudden Sudden Loss of life in Epilepsy Sufferers) in 2019, his dying got here as a tragic and devastating shock. A younger actor with a burgeoning profession, incomes credit in films similar to Grown Ups 2 and Disney’s Descendants franchise, Cameron left an unshrinkable void within the hearts and minds of everybody that knew him.
And whereas this grief can by no means be cured, Cameron’s father Victor, and the entire Boyce household, are capable of transfer ahead as a result of they’ve a passionate need to boost consciousness of SUDEP. Mercifully energized by a therapeutic relationship with aggressive biking, Victor bravely shares the household mission in a dialog with M&F.
In the US, 1 in 26 persons are dwelling with epilepsy. Of these victims, it’s estimated that greater than 1 in 1,000 will die from SUDEP, and but all too many individuals are completely unaware of the danger. Cameron had solely 5 seizures in his lifetime between the ages of 17 and 20 years. “Earlier to his first seizure, he had no signs by any means, excluding when he developed colic as an toddler. Cameron hardly ever ever received sick,” explains Victor. “When he had his first seizure, we weren’t certain what occurred in any respect till a health care provider defined it. It was complicated and shocking within the worst method.” Seemingly underneath management after his epilepsy prognosis, his seizures had been spaced out at round a yr aside. “Not solely was Cameron not ailing, however he was additionally thriving in his life and profession,” says Victor. “We had been fully blindsided by his passing as a result of he was so wholesome.”
What’s epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a situation of the mind that causes bursts {of electrical} exercise, leading to seizures. It’s an ailment that may start at any age, however normally begins in childhood or in these people who find themselves over 60. Signs embody involuntary shaking, additionally know as a “match.” In case you assume you might have skilled a seizure, it is very important search medical recommendation. Whereas there are therapies obtainable to assist management epilepsy in lots of circumstances, SUDEP continues to be not fully understood.
The Cameron Boyce Basis Is Working to Remedy Epilepsy
Very quickly after his passing, the Boyce household set about forging a basis in honor of Cameron. “Initially, it was to proceed the charitable works that Cameron was already doing on his personal,” says Victor. “We didn’t need that to finish together with his passing. It was tough at first for a lot of causes, not the least of which was that we had no concept tips on how to run a basis. It’s been a steep studying curve, however now we now have a robust staff and a transparent focus for what we need to obtain. We’re tiny in comparison with different extra well-established epilepsy foundations, however we now have a novel platform as a result of Cameron is so beloved. Our fundamental aim is epilepsy consciousness and analysis.”
Since its inception, TCBF (The Cameron Boyce Basis) has raised greater than $1 million and casts a much-needed highlight on a illness that’s usually afforded too little consideration. “We’re really blessed to be supported by younger adults that grew up watching Cameron on TV and in films. They’re our core supporters. Notable individuals which were instrumental in serving to us embody Adam Sandler, Sofia Carson, Dove Cameron, Salma Hayek, Maz Jobrani, Wendy Raquel Robinson and lots of, many extra,” says Victor. TCBF has additionally partnered with CURE Epilepsy to fund analysis grants, serving to scientists with their quest to treatment and management all types of epilepsy.
Victor Boyce Good points ‘Every day Remedy’ Although Biking
“My son was born with a magnetism that’s onerous to place phrases to,” shares Victor. Working with the TCBF is vital however understandably heavy work for a grieving father, however fortuitously he’s been capable of lean on his love of biking to get some psychological and bodily aid. “As a child, I received freedom by going out on a bicycle. You possibly can journey so much farther by bike than by strolling. As an grownup, it’s extra of a every day remedy,” he shares. “Many individuals consider biking as ‘train’ however for me it’s extra psychological. Biking clears my thoughts of the stresses of life. Biking has pushed me out of my consolation zone to do the issues that I beforehand thought had been unimaginable. For instance, in 2020, I collected over 1,000,000 vertical ft of elevation achieve in a single yr. As daunting as that sounds bodily, it’s the psychological fortitude and dedication that’s tougher.”
Victor has actually discovered his groove with biking. “I journey with an incredible group of males and many people compete in organized races and occasions,” he explains. “Final yr I used to be a part of a four-man staff that gained an eight-hour, cross-country, marathon mountain bike race. We additionally do gravel bike occasions such because the ‘Rock Cobbler,’ and that’s brutal! Adrenaline and dopamine are highly effective motivators to get out and transfer. Whenever you really feel higher your temper is healthier which in flip helps your relationships with household and mates. When you’re match you’re extra assured and comfy in your individual pores and skin.”
Discovering consolation and comaradery by biking has been an incredible distraction for Victor. “It’s attention-grabbing how small the biking neighborhood is,” he explains. “Most people I journey with are mates of mates. Some are my neighbors and lots of others are individuals who I’ve met on Strava. It’s been very natural and a number of the individuals I’ve met have develop into expensive mates. Just lately, my spouse and I, and 4 different {couples} went on a biking journey to the Netherlands. It was the journey of a lifetime.” For Victor, having significant conversations can be important to his work with the TCBF. “I encourage these with epilepsy to speak about it,” he says. “Get first assist/CPR skilled, be armed with information, go to TheCameronBoyceFoundation.org, and be supportive of the epilepsy neighborhood.”
