Cam Kowalski

I began my career in policing fresh out of school in 1984 with the Hamilton-Wentworth Regional police, later transferring to the RCMP. Over the next 30 years, I served in Ontario and British Columbia, often pushing through injuries, as we were trained to do. But after retiring, I started to notice the lingering effects—loss of mobility and constant, chronic pain that seemed to accumulate over time. Managing chronic pain since then has been a constant journey. Finding the right specialists wasn’t easy, especially after relocating to Ontario, but places like the DeGroote Pain Clinic and the support from Veterans Affairs have been game-changers. They’ve provided tools, therapies, and guidance to help me manage day-to-day life.  

My message to fellow veterans: Don’t Wait.

Get help early, even if it feels like you’re “pushing through.” It’s not weakness—it’s essential. Chronic pain affects everything and everyone around you, and staying on top of it makes a world of difference.

I truly believe in the importance of chronic pain research. There’s a need for innovative solutions—new treatments, therapies, and insights that could change our lives. There’s always hope, and with more understanding and options, a better future for veterans dealing with chronic pain is possible.

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