Steady Progress Toward the First Shoot.

Though we've been very quiet, progress is being made with regard to the shoot in Philadelphia. I had an opportunity to interact with one of the chairs of the PMP Cancer Walk last week. We was very pleased to hear that there will be more experts on the disease present at the 2nd Annual PMP Symposium than we thought. That's great for the documentary and for me. I'm still learning about the disease I've been fighting. As for crew for the shoot, along with my nephew, we are asking for help from Jon's Ala Mater, The University of the Arts. There is a good possibility that there may be film students available to help with the camerawork. That would be great. We can run a camera, but it's better for Jon to be focused on getting the best shot possible. And for me, it's best that I'm focusing solely on the interview. Also, my immediate family and my In-Laws are organizing transportation to get us everywhere we need to be.

The most important thing happening is the creation of a database of patients, survivors and caregivers. We've been very pleased at the level of responses we've received. We're asking respondents to share very personal and painful stories. Their courage and generosity is inspiring. We really look forward to meeting them in person.

The Building Blocks Are Coming Together

The PMP Research Organization has really embraced the documentary. They kindly put out a call for stories from patients, survivors and caregivers. The response has been overwhelming. At times, I mean this literally. Each story is very moving and inspiring. These are extraordinary people showing tremendous grace under considerable pressure. It's been an honor to meet them. We hope to do their stories justice.

Speaking of moving stories, I've had my first conversation with Sean Hepburn Ferrer about telling Audrey Hepburn's story. We're very excited about that.

Relatives and friends in Philadelphia and Ohio have piped up to be our crews during the shoots this summer. We're also getting more offers for equipment. Still, our fund raising efforts need to pick up more steam as we aren't getting very much for free. The word is getting out about the fund raising by people kindly posting the link on their Facebook and Twitter pages. Hopefully, the donations will pick up soon.

Starting Down a Long Road

Jon and I have begun scheduling our initial interviews for the film. Please look at the current dates in the column on the right side of this page. Come on out even if you don't want to appear on camera and support these worthwhile fund raising efforts.

Please pass this link along. We're still looking for people willing to appear on camera and share their stories about Appendix Cancer.

Also, we ask for forgiveness in advance. The information and pleas above will be repeated often as new readers discover this site.