UPDATE!!

Thank you to everyone that has supported this project. I am still in NYC and will be leaving for Los Angeles shortly. Rachel is job searching and doing really really well. I wish I could speak for Jason and Bell but I am assuming they are frolicking happily around the city right this minute.

I have since collaborated with a few amazing people here in the city and have really moved forward with giving the footage the platform and professionalism it deserves.

Lisa M. Jones has signed on to edit the film with me. She and I should have it wrapped on or around Oct 1st.

www.lisamjones-edit.com

I have ambitions of showing the film in a theatre in Port Huron, MI over Christmas. This would be great for family, friends, and anyone inspired to gather and enjoy this experience.

During editing I can't help but think of all the amazing women we met. There is no question that I am a better person for knowing them...


peace out

paul

Port Huron Times Herald Article

DOCUMENTARY TRAILER

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project is inspired by and honors the memory of Lisa Harris. Lisa Harris was the mother of my girlfriend of eight years, Rachel Harris. On Monday, May 15, 2006; Lisa Harris, at the age of 52, lost her 3 year battle with breast cancer. It was due to her valiant and graceful fight that this I became moved to get involved.

Initially I wanted to go across the country to meet breast cancer survivors, hear their stories and take their pictures to encourage Lisa in her battle for life. Then, upon my arrival in California, I would compose a scrapbook of the journey and send it to her in hopes of providing encouragement and strength in her fight against breast cancer. However her condition quickly became terminal and she lost her battle with breast cancer. I suddenly felt the need to expand the vision, and reach out to survivors across the country in an effort to give a voice to these remarkable individuals. The road trip became a way to reach out to those who are in the midst of their fight and to document the successes of those who are winning the battle. This project is all about HOPE!!! The hope to keep fighting and keep surviving. The hope for one more day with the people they love. They hope to provide awareness to those that may not yet be affected.

I plan to intertwine travel, spirit, and art to raise awareness and allow these inspiring individuals to reach out and empower those still fighting.

This is a journey from New York City, across the country to California. The team will be Rachel Harris (Lisa's daughter); my good friend Jason Stamm, a very talented cinematographer; and Bell Soto, a friend and well-known published photographer with the amazing ability to capture the beauty in every moment.

We will meet with 25 to 35 survivors organized by the American Breast Cancer Foundation while carrying through with a casual interview, incorporating both videotape and still photographs as we speak to them on a "Paul" unintrusive level. Our journey will begin on June 12th, 2006 and will be completed on July 4th, 2006. The vision of these meetings is to meet each woman in their own home and to capture each woman in their natural setting while hearing their stories.

I have purchased a polaroid camera that I will use to take some very raw, yet soft, pictures of the survivors we meet. Also, Bell Soto (photographer) will be taking professional high resolution photos capturing the heart and soul of each woman. Jason Stamm (cinematographer) will be capturing the entire experience, including both the interviews and travels on video.



* Thank You to The American Breast Cancer Foundation ABCF.ORG
* Thank You to Steve Pinetti and The Kimpton Group KIMPTONHOTELS.COM

A Journey to Remember

Dear Momma,

We made it! July 2nd we reached our final destination in San Francisco, CA and all four of us reflected on our 3 weeks together. I have felt the overwhelming sense of having you right by my side - I get flashbacks every minute and always will, but I love that. We feel you momma, and you will always be my inspiration for everything in life. I have learned so much from these three boys that I know you are smiling down on us with all of your own laughter and tears. I have two new best friends and also a new appreciation for Paul, always and forever. I love you.

The Final Insight

The last interview of the trip. Jay's mom talked to us about her experience with breast cancer.

Helen livin it up

Helen played her yukalalee for us in San Fran. On her way out to church she was in "patriotic spirit" while explaining to us that life is too precious to not enjoy to the fullest degree. She had just returned from a solo trip to New York City where she took numerous pictures with strangers that she had met on the street. Life is about meeting new people.

bell's prodigy

on the streets of downtown San Francisco

mentos...

jay and his mom

July 2nd 2006

jason's view

a look into Jay's world during each interview

happy hour

"Can't a girl get a cocktail around here"

AHOY!

a breath of fresh air as we coasted along the PCH of California - absolutely amazing

SURVIVORS!!

Each woman we interviewed will forever be an inspiration to this world.

To you special women: thank you for sharing in your devotion to fight this horrible disease. Your spirits made us smile and laugh, but most importantly it made us understand the severity of life. You have taught us about strength and love. Love those around you... family, friends, and those that come into your life unexpectedly. Your beauty will continue to amaze us all... xo Rachel

san fran

5,000 MILES & WE FINALLY CROSSED THE GOLDEN GATE!

A piece of Paul's fam

The Pinettis in San Fran!! We were lucky enough to meet Paul's extended family and peek into their new apartment near Pier 39.

The PLAINS

surreal at times...

illinois sunset

Seen along the trip were some of the most beautiful sunsets... in states that you would never imagine to appear breathtaking.

WHOO HOO!!

Jason's fam showed us a great time! Patricia (jay's mom) made us an amazing dinner after our last interview with Carol... Jason's sister Jenna almost brought out her singing skills after dinner and it was great to see the love between her and her big bro.
THANK YOU FOR THE FREE FOOD AND DRINK!!!!

Boulder, CO

Wiss and Todd showed us the ropes of CO after our interviews - good times with you both, thank you! xo

CALIFORNIA!!!

We fought the heat of Arizona to finally make it to the coast. When we hit Laguna Beach the feelings of a successful coast to coast trip really set in. California was very very euphoric.

ON LOCATION: Marin, California

uPs & DoWnS

"This is dangerous to our health" - Rachel's quote to Paul in the 120 degree, no airconditioning, situation in the car.
(hence the road map to shield)

OUT WEST

6/27/06

Stayed the night in Albuquerque, NM and woke up the next morning in hopes of reaching Scottsdale, AZ.
Stopped for 20 mins in a really cool town of Gallup (known for native american jewelry) and then continued to drive until reaching AZ 8 hours later. All were relieved to get out of the car in 120 degree temps.

The Unknown

in our own world wondering where it is we are

CALIFORNIA!!!

WE MADE IT!!!

The DESERT WAS HORRIBLE!!! it was 115 degrees going through arizona and western california (Blyth, CA). Rachel hated me for 6 hours, and Jason pretended to be in a cooler surrounded by cherry flavored popsicles. I on the other hand acted like a complete idiot and attempted to keep morale up. NOT A CHANCE!

Thank you to Uncle Mike in Phoenix for having us over for food and drink. That was a great night. The sunset in Phoenix was mystical and really surreal to see the shadows against the cactus.

Also, the interview we had in Mesa, AZ was great. She gave us humor to carry us through the day of traveling in a hairdryer. She also shared the home state of MI.

Its mornin time on saturday in San Fran and we have an interview in 1 hour. Still droggy and dizzy from the PCH all the way up the coast.

We picked up Bell on Friday night from LAX after hanging out at Laguna beach all day and catching the sunset in Hermosa Beach. Made it to Santa Monica that night and picked a horrible hotel where there were scents and stains where there shouldn't be. Therefore, i tried to get my money back and that was not a possibility unitl we talked money and gave the front desk guy a bribe. SOOOOO..... slept next to the santa monica pier in a 2 star as opposed to a -2.

Woke up yesterday morning to hit the Pacific Coast Highway and was completely blown away! The day was beautiful and the sunburn on my forehead is proof of a perfect day. We turned a 7 hour drive into a 12 hour drive just by stopping and going slow around every turn. There is a new creative energy now that Bell is back... For a minute everyone forgot what it was like to wake up with a camera in your face! " genius.. genius... don't move"

Arrived to San Fran at about 11 last night and felt a feeling of accomplishment. Rachel has yet to see the Golden Gate but once she finally gets outta the shower it shouldn't be long. Coast to coast was actually pretty easy when you have the right group of people to keep you company.

Thank you Lisa for the inspiration to make it.

This is a poor attempt to update but but I will do better once I have pics and energy.

damn

What do you do when the girl you love is crying?

Sittin here tryin to make things seem better and add humor... doing all i know.

Thank you for the comments and checking out the blog up to this point. We are now in Scottsdale, AZ and once again I have to thank my uncle Steve... THANK YOU! the hotel is great and the scenic drive through the mountains was amazing!! We have interviews tomorrow and then off to campin outside the grand canyon.

Yesterday we met with a woman in Denver, CO by the name of Anita. She was the type of energy that when you leave her you cannot wait to talk about how special she was. She touched Rachel in a way that I have yet to see. Her energy carried me for about at least half of the trip to Sante Fe, NM and I hope it stays with me forever.

2 weeks and still haven't done laundry... COMMANDO!!!


paul