On Wednesday, Oct. 27, a bright light burned out and another precious life was lost. Paige Camm was a locally known exotic dancer who was known professionally as “Paige on Stage” anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her can attest to the fact that she had the brightest smile that could light up any room. She was warm and welcoming and truly cared about other people.

People won’t see that though. They may only see that she was an exotic dancer and not bat an eye at her passing. We need to change that. She was a person. She had a soul. She was loved.

We have come so far in society with the acceptance of others and embracing change, yet when it comes to the adult entertainment industry, it’s still taboo to see these amazing girls as anything more than just another stripper. That needs to change.

Why must we judge someone based on his or her profession when they are so much more than that? When a doctor takes off his surgical mask and goes home to his family, is he then just “dad” or is he “doctor dad”? When a police officer takes off his uniform, is he still known as a cop or is he just Joe from next door?

When this amazing girl stepped out of her stilettos, she was still a starlet. On stage or off, she dazzled everyone she met with a smile and kind word. She was so much more than “just a stripper.”

These girls are moms at the bus stop. They volunteer at the PTA, they waitress, serving you your dinner, they are the customer service reps answering your phone calls. These women are just trying to make a living. They are strong and confident. They are beautiful and talented.

Paige was no exception.

From 3:30 p.m. to dusk on Sunday, Nov. 15 at Kirby park in Kingston, there will be a celebration of Paige’s life. Organizers want to light up the dark in her memory, just as she brought light into the lives of so many. There will be a balloon launch and candle ceremony so those who never got the chance to say goodbye will have a final moment to say their farewell.

There will be a memory board available so friends and loved ones can pin pictures and memories. Candles will be available for purchase so that the lights can be turned on for Paige one last time.

Show your support. Not just for Paige, but for every life lost that others might not have thought mattered. They do matter. Only by uniting as one and showing our support can we change the stigma associated with these incredible women.

Rest in peace Paige and fly high with the angels.

You will never be forgotten.

Melissa Hughes is a 30-year-old single mother of one. Girl Talk started as a telltale horror story of the city’s most epic dating disasters and evolved into a column about love, life experiences and growing up. Melissa has a weekly TV segment on PA Live, WBRE, discussing activities in Weekender and a Girl Talk radio segment every Wednesday on 98.5 KRZ.

What will you tolerate? Sickness and health, sure, but what about infedelity, lying and abusing drugs?

By Melissa Hughes

For Weekender

Melissa Hughes
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_girltalk.jpg.optimal.jpgMelissa Hughes

Paige Camm died Oct. 27. A remembrance ceremony will be held for her on Nov. 15 in Kingston.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_paige.jpg.optimal.jpgPaige Camm died Oct. 27. A remembrance ceremony will be held for her on Nov. 15 in Kingston.