The Day That Changed My Life - Cancer Documentary

Ooooh October........ How do I miss thee? What a busy and exciting month it was for us. October was the month that Breast Cancer Awareness ruled during the month. The focus was present and you could not miss on the enthusiasm of pinktober.
Pop & Bessie's Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

On the first day of October, the kick off to promote the documentary of The Day That Changed My Life began. The response was great as we reached out to social network sites, and the media. We were on Good Morning Westchester, the local channel television Community Events and shared with the local newspapers. It was a big deal :-)
We looked forward to sharing the journey of those who have been touched by cancer and what incredible journeys they were.

October 22, 2014 The Day That Changed My Life - Documentary was shown at the Showcase Cinema De Lux theater. It was the perfect day for the Nor'easter Storm. As we were getting closer to show time, the rain intensified. The question to God was 'why would you do this?' However, he showed us that the rain was there to prove that our message was important enough for people to actually brave the weather conditions.

After the documentary, we had a reception where we were able to meet and greet. The audience was a mix of people who came in from Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, as well as those from Westchester, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island. There were cancer survivors as well as those who were currently going through treatment. We had people coming up and saying Thank You for bringing this to the theater.


Guess what? This is only the beginning there's more to come from this documentary.......
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
Some members of the Cast

The Day That Changed My Life - Amanie's Journey

While creating The Day That Changed My Life Cancer an uncertain journey we wanted to hear from those who have been touched by cancer. The newly diagnosed cancer patient, the parents whose child has cancer, the caregiver, etc. We reached out and the journeys flowed in. One of the journeys came through a parent whose child was diagnosed with retinoblastoma as an infant. No one can imagine the pain and tremedous concern that can overwhelm parents whose child is sick.

However, we are happy to share with you that Amanie has brought so much joy and great pride to her family as she conitnues to be a leader and a strong advocate for those with special needs as well as those who have been diagnosed with cancer. When Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed cutting the nearly $100 million budget for the schools which includes the , turning the funding responsibilities over to local school districts, Amanie found her way to Albany to let her voice be heard. It did not matter that she was a senior and was moving on to the next phase in her life. Ms. Riley understood how important it was for the other students to have the same opportunities that allowed her to excel academically. Thankfully, the governor changed his position and said that the state will keep paying for the schools. Amanie graduated from high school as the Valedictorian and headed off to college where she continues to grow in her leadership skills.

Today Amanie is a college student and she was a speaker for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Fighting Cancer event at Mercy College. Amanie takes her assignment to uplift and encourage others as she shares her journey with everyone. We are so proud of her and we will continue to follow her progress.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

The Day That Changed My Life - Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a cancerous tumor of the eye. Many people are unaware of the disease as most cancers are at the forefront in terms of raising awareness to fight the disease.

In honor of Retinoblastoma Awareness week, we focus on this rare cancer that affects the retina and is commonly diagnosed in children by ages 1-2. In the Off Broadway Play, The Day That Changed My Life shared the journey of parents whose child was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma. We will be focusing on the disease in depth as we want to be a part of bringing awareness to the disease. Although it is a rare form of cancer, for the parent whose child has the disease, it becomes an added challenge that at times can be painful to think of the child's future and what lies ahead.

Learn more about Retinoblastoma

Here's Gracie's Journey: