How many times during the pandemic have we heard we need to get vaccinated to get back to “normal?” Probably more times than we can count. The media continues to push this narrative that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, but always fails to report the thousands of vaccine injuries that are occurring daily. According to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, there are 1,852 vaccine injuries reported just in Idaho. Reporters tend to never reference this data. Why is that? Shouldn’t the public be made aware of serious injuries that may occur from these vaccines?
We all make daily decisions that come with some type of risk versus benefit thought process, but we aren’t often pushed toward a decision that’s only informed about the benefits. The COVID-19 vaccine has been rapidly pushed without sufficient research of the risk and benefits. We have been made to believe this vaccine will allow us to get back to “normal.”
That’s why, like many Americans, Doug Cameron did what he was led to believe would benefit himself and his fellow American.
Doug moved to Idaho in 1968. He graduated from Mountain Home High School and began working at Double Anchor Ranch in Glenns Ferry. Over the years, he has worked steadily and remained active and in good health. He never experienced any health issues that required medical attention or intervention. He decided to get the COVID-19 vaccine, because he was told by many that getting vaccinated was the right thing to do. Cameron received the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine on April 5, 2021 at TLK Farm and Dairies, where he works. Little did he know his life would come crashing down within a few days.
The day after his shot, Cameron began to have severe hip pain and loss of bladder control. He and his wife went to St. Luke’s Hospital in Mountain Home. Cameron asked to be tested for COVID-19 because his wife tested positive just four days after he was vaccinated. His test came back positive, so he was transported to St. Luke’s Emergency room in Boise. The same day, doctors discharged Cameron and said his ailments were related to COVID-19.
From April 12-14, Cameron’s pain worsened — he said it was as if his whole body had been poisoned. On April 15 at 2 a.m., Cameron woke up and was unable to move his legs. A short hour later, he was still unable to move his legs, and his wife found that both legs were cold. He was quickly transported to St. Luke’s in Boise and was admitted to the COVID-19 unit.
On April 16, testing revealed a blood clot in his leg and spinal cord hemorrhage with swelling. At this point doctors were unsure about Cameron’s diagnosis due to the range of symptoms. However, some healthcare workers believed he might have Guillain Barre and Transverse Myelitis; Guillain Barre is a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves, and Transverse Myelitis is a disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. Today, Cameron is partially paralyzed and remains wheelchair bound. Cameron and physicians believe that it’s most likely related to the J&J vaccine.
Cameron has spent more than a hundred days in the hospital since getting vaccinated. According to Carla, he received inconsistent care and therapy, severe bed sores, and emotional distress. Cameron described his time at St. Luke’s and Saint Alphonsus as a “prison cell.” He also spent time in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah’s Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital. When asked if he believed the vaccine contributed to the paralysis, he said, “Yes, some doctors have said the vaccine did this to me.”
Cameron and Carla wrote a letter to Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, senators and representatives explaining the condition Cameron is currently in, and what this vaccine has done to him. They asked the following questions: “What is the plan for the ones who got the shot and are now unable to work and support themselves? Will Idaho stand up and take care of its citizens that have given their lives and livelihood in an honest attempt to try to protect themselves, their families, and the public?”
Gov.Little and other members who hold a higher power in the state of Idaho have continued to encourage Idahoans to become vaccinated. Their dangerous, uneducated push for people to become vaccinated has led one man to lose almost everything he has worked for. Cameron’s story is a perfect example that the COVID-19 vaccine is not a one size fits all approach, and more research and information needs to be addressed.
Last month, St. Luke’s and Saint Alphonsus stated they will require all employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine or face termination. Cameron spent time in both healthcare facilities, well before these mandates were announced. Cameron was asked how he feels about these mandates, he answered, “Mandating any shot is wrong.
It’s unclear if Cameron will ever be able to walk again. The Camerons’ summer plans to spend time with family and teach their grandkids the value of hard work, have been put on hold. Life has been changed for the worse, from expensive medical bills and rearranging their home, to constantly traveling to see different doctors. A GoFundMe page has been set up by Idaho Sen. Christy Zito https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-doug-and-carla-rebuild-their-life.
Before getting vaccinated, please consult with your doctor. To read more about vaccine injuries, visit https://vaers.hhs.gov.
