‘I keep training. If I stop, it’s like an old car — you put in the garage and forget about it; when you try to start it, it won’t.’

Holtsville

“I grew up in a situation that was kind of abusive. And now something that I’m passionate about is making sure other kids don’t have to go through that, and that women and men don’t stay in unhealthy relationships.

“I was also bullied as a kid, and I’m very passionate about helping stop that. Now with everything going on in the world today, social media has it made it easy to broadcast hurtful things. I’m working on with Sachem North High School right now on an anti-bullying program. We’ll do a free seminar there. We also need to talk to the bullies, to help change their way of thought and understanding why they do this. I take pride in making sure we correct some of those things so they don’t happen to anyone else.

“I’m 63 and I just retired from 20 years as an engineer. I own Lockdown Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and still compete full time. I love it. I keep training. If I stop, it’s like an old car — you put in the garage and forget about it; when you try to start it, it won’t.

I’ve learned that I need to trust that I’m good enough. It’s me who is holding myself back from doing my best.

“Brazilian jujitsu, I think, is huge on working with you to control anxiety. It’s called the gentle art. It’s the basis for the UFC, and it’s made for the smaller opponent to beat the bigger opponent. But aside from all that, it teaches you about yourself and what you can accomplish when pushed. If I can take the pressure of a 300-pound person on top of me and trying to choke me out, I can deal with anything life can throw at me.

“These kids aren’t learning the fight to get into fights. They’re learning the fight to walk away from a fight. They’re learning to defend themselves that way. If anything, God forbid it ever happens to them, they can defend themselves and get away from the situation and go to people that can help de-escalate the situation.

“Right now, we’re working with the Suffolk County PD on our seminar around domestic violence. The moves in that seminar will all be around self-defense and protecting yourself in that kind of a situation.

“I want the kids who come here to all to be teammates, to take care of each other and, when they’re in school, to look out for each other. It’s important they learn to stick up for one another. We’re a family here, and I treat it like we’re a real family.”

Interviewed by Maggie Melito

‘I graduated early from high school because I wanted to dive into my career. A few months later, I got the call that I was going to Broadway!’

Shirley

“I was always shy, so I think musical theater was my way of expressing myself. I began when I was 5 with a little group of kids who did theater in a barn house. My teachers told me I should take acting classes, so after a few at The Gateway, I learned that I loved learning about musical theater. I was 7 when I auditioned for ‘Les Miserables’ at CM Performing Arts Center.

“I was so nervous that afterwards I cried; I thought I did horribly. I forgot the words and even asked my mom if I could do it over again, but I got the part! That’s when I knew I wanted to get better at it and become more confident.

“I went to William Floyd High School, where we didn’t have a theater program. Instead, I did the community library shows as well as more shows at CM and Cultural Arts Playhouse.

“I graduated early from high school this January because I wanted to dive into my career. It was a hard decision knowing that I wouldn’t be able to graduate with my friends and go to prom.

I’ve learned that I need to trust that I’m good enough. It’s me who is holding myself back from doing my best.

“I couldn’t wait to get better at what I love. I auditioned for “Parade” at New York City Center very last minute. I sent in a video for the open call and didn’t think I would hear back. I didn’t get cast. A few months later, I was in the middle of doing ‘A Chorus Line’ at CM when they asked me to audition for the role of Essie again. I was immediately crying and screaming.

“Soon the news posted that ‘Parade’ was going to Broadway, so I assumed they had cast it already. Twenty minutes later, I got the call that I was going to Broadway! I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone. I had rehearsal for ‘Chorus’ after that. I couldn’t give any hints that I got it!

“One of the most exciting parts of being in ‘Parade’ is the different things people take from it. It’s such a beautiful show with so much deepness in it that it’s just magical. It’s very cool to find the diversity and let the audience feel the story. I used to doubt myself about whether I was good enough for such a competitive industry.

“I’ve learned that I need to trust that I’m good enough. It’s me who is holding myself back from doing my best. You have to remember to be yourself because that’s the most you can offer. Nothing will pass you by if it’s meant for you.”

Interviewed by Iris Wiener

‘There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.’

Brentwood

“I am a 15-year-old sophomore at Brentwood High School. I am in two organizations: Leaders of the Future and District 1 Youth Advisory Board, which cover most of the Island and help out communities in need.

“In 2014, I did my first community service project, which was cleaning up streets with the Boy Scouts with the Lions Club. After that, I became the Tree Lighting Club president at my school, and I continued to engage with other community service outreach programs. Something that helped me a lot was the encouragement of my parents.

“They came to the United States from Colombia 20 years ago for a better life. What I look back at is how my parents suffered, and how I don’t want other people suffering. I recruited 37 students from all over Long Island, and we created a group where we would serve our community in our free time and give back to those who need it most.

That’s my message to the world: If you want to make this world a better place, lift someone up.

“We all, as young people, have a voice; it’s probably not as powerful as an adult’s, but we can effect change. When I saw my school district throwing food away during the summer due to parents not picking up food for the children, I decided to pick up all that food before it was going to be thrown away and bring it to local fridges where families can have fresh food for their families. It’s a diverse community I live in, and we are here to support one another.

“This past December and January, there were seven families whose houses burned down, and they were left with nothing. We students decided to take action by getting them COVID tests, reusable water bottles, backpacks, hygiene stuff and clothes. If you want to be a leader, you start from ground zero and you continue going up. It’s not only adults, it’s not only our oldest generation, it’s anyone.

“In May, we have a community service project we want to do which involves cleaning up three communities, specifically recreational parks. We plan to clean up garbage and make the space a positive place, not only for the environment, but for the little ones to play. There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. That’s my message to the world: If you want to make this world a better place, lift someone up.”

Interviewed by Hannah Fusaro

‘Everything about [my grandma] was what I want to emulate as a fan and why I’m so passionate.’

Commack

“My grandparents have been season-ticket holders since 1973. My parents are fans. My brother and I grew up going to games at Nassau Coliseum. When I was around 5 years old, I remember nudging my grandma next to me and asking, ‘Grandma, why did they blow the whistle?’ I learned my first rule, and from then on, it’s history.

“My grandma was an absolute badass. She eloped with my grandfather and had my uncle and my mother young. She focused on their education, plus my grandfather’s education first. She was the last to get hers. She became a lawyer at 50 years old. When it came to games, it was her time to be alive. She was my best friend when it came to hockey. Everything about her was what I want to emulate as a fan and why I’m so passionate. I want to continue her legacy.

“The necklace is the first and last pictures I have with my grandma. I feel like it encompasses all the love and time spent together throughout my life. Wearing this necklace feels like she’s still with me.

“The blue and orange lipstick started as a compromise. I was 16 and saw fans in the arena doing a full face of face paint. So I go to my mom, ‘Can we go to Party City so I can paint my face?’ She went, ‘Hell no.’ I found a company that makes blue and orange lipstick, and I said, ‘What if I just do my lips?’ She let me do it. People would come up to me and say, ‘That’s so cool.’ Little girls come up to me and ask what kind of lipstick I use. Any sports fan that wants to be proud, you can do a lipstick to accentuate your fandom.

“When I was about 17 or 18, people who had their own podcast reached out to me and said, ‘We see you’re a huge Islanders fan. We were wondering if we can get your aspect on the team.’ I was a guest on radio shows and podcasts, and people would say I should start my own. I started doing ‘Twitter Lives’ because I needed an outlet to rant after games, and I noticed the audience started to grow. I thought, ‘Why not? Let’s start a podcast.’ I had other hockey YouTubers I looked up to, and they all took me under their wing. They helped me set up so I can host the podcast in my dining room. My mother came up with the podcast name ‘Kim in the Crease.’”

Interviewed by Tracey Cheek

‘There are no words to describe the moment your baby girl asks, “Mommy, what does this cancer want with me?”’

Dix Hills

“There are no words to describe the moment your baby girl asks, ‘Mommy, what does this cancer want with me?’ The first four years of Daniela’s life were full of memory-making and milestones, just like those of any other child. But in the fall of 2016, when she was barely 5 years old, everything changed. An ongoing stomachache grew until rounds of MRIs and PET scans finally uncovered a tumor in her hepatic portal vein, which spread to her liver.

“On October 5, 2016, Daniela was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer: rhabdomyosarcoma. It was a word we had never before heard. Doctors gave her two days to live, but she fought like hell for four years.

“After 12 months of grueling chemotherapy, Daniela was finally declared cancer free, and we thought we had beaten the monster threatening our little girl’s life. Three months later, the cancer returned, and far worse than before.

“The next two years were a dizzying procession of hospital stays, chemotherapy, radiation and experimental treatments. Three years from the time she was diagnosed, the doctors declared Daniela cancer free three times. But the disease always came back.

“It was heartbreaking to watch as the poison meant to kill the cancer also took a toll on her little body. Daniela’s intestines became inflamed and painful; she was tired and had difficulty eating. Daniela had gone through nearly every form of treatment options available over the course of four years when doctors told us that there was nothing more that they could do, so the decision was made to change our focus to maintaining a good quality of life for her while she lived with cancer.

“A week before COVID hit on March 2, 2020, Daniela took her last breath in her daddy’s arms. She lost her battle with rhabdomyosarcoma after almost four years of courageous fighting. I have told this story many times, but it never gets any easier. The details are always the same. It’s a story that no child and no family should ever have to endure. In Daniela’s memory, my family and I along with my team are now working toward that end through the nonprofit Daniela Conte Foundation.”

The harsh reality is that the treatments Daniela received – which didn’t work – were developed 40 years ago.

“Daniela had an infectious smile and powerful personality. Even on the most grueling days, she never complained. Through every treatment and every test she had to go through, there was always a light behind those big, brown eyes and a sparkling smile to boot.

“The strength of such a little person could have touched everyone who met her. I can’t tell you how many times Daniela left the hospital and lived life to the fullest the next day. She may have gotten sick in a trash can or two, but she never let the cancer steal her joy.

“She was never going to let the cancer win. Daniela wished for a day where ‘there was no more cancer’ and often spoke about helping other pediatric cancer patients. Before, during and after the diagnosis, Daniela always wanted to help others.

“Today, Daniela’s story continues through the Daniela Conte Foundation. We couldn’t save Daniela, but it is the mission of DCF that her story is a catalyst for change. Through the lives of the children and families we support, Daniela’s legacy lives on.

“The harsh reality is that the treatments Daniela received – which didn’t work – were developed 40 years ago. These are toxic treatments, and the children who do survive suffer long-term effects.

“Private foundations like DCF are the ones supporting the doctors and research that are working on these cancers. Cancer is the number one disease killer of children, and that has to change.

“Even where kids survive, by the time they’re 45, they’re at a high risk for hearing loss, infertility, and a litany of other issues. There’s also a good chance the cancer might come back or that they will get a secondary cancer.”

As parents, we plan for vacations and college, but nobody plans for cancer.

“The Daniela Conte Foundation was formed just three years ago, but we’ve made great strides thanks to an incredibly passionate and talented team. In 2022 alone, we helped 150 families and provided more than $75,000 in financial and memorial assistance.

“Ninety-five cents of every dollar raised by DCF has gone directly to cancer families and research. As parents, we plan for vacations and college, but nobody plans for cancer. Our own family would have been completely lost without the financial support of private foundations, and now I’m proud to give back.

“There hasn’t been one new drug developed for the type of cancer Daniela had in more than a decade. That’s a pillar of the DCF mission: to bring more awareness. I don’t want another family going through this. We’ve seen a lot of pink in October, but we don’t see a lot of gold. Gold is the color we use for September, Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.

“Before Daniela’s diagnosis, we, like many other families, didn’t even know there was a month or color. We’re working to change that too. Through increased awareness, we can change the narrative of pediatric cancer.

“One of our most meaningful events at DCF is the annual March blood drives held every year in Daniela’s memory. Daniela went through many blood transfusions and platelets because the chemo destroys your good and your bad cells. We had close to 78 blood donors come out this March to donate blood, and that translates to over 200 lives saved. In the last three years we have collected over 225 units of blood, which helped save 675 patient lives.

“This year, DCF will proudly host its third annual Butterfly 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 22, at Sunken Meadow Park. Anyone can participate; you don’t have to live on Long Island. We have virtual participants joining us from all over the country.

“We’ll have a fun run, games, prizes, giveaways. It’s one of our biggest events, and the money we raise will continue to help families and fund pediatric cancer research. This year we will also honor children and young adult survivors in the community with special medals. Those who wish to sign up and participate can get more information at 5k.danielacontefoundation.org.”

Interviewed by Tracey Cheek

‘I truly believe that each octopus is an individual with its own personality.’

Coram

“I’ve been interested in octopuses since I was a kid, but now as an adult, I not only have them, I rescue them. My current octopus is named Birdie, but she’s not my first. Before her, I had one named Damian, and along the way, I had a couple of other octopuses. I’m also a serious saltwater tank hobbyist. When I walk into a fish store where they know me, they might say they got an octopus by mistake and aren’t set up to take care of it or don’t want someone not able to care for it to just buy it, so I’ll take it. I’ve built a network of people, and when they see something, they text me, like, ‘Hey, I saw an octopus at this store…’ It’s crazy, but that’s how it works.

“When I rescue an octopus, first I have to make sure I have a place to put it as it has to be the only thing in its tank; it can’t be with any fish or other octopuses. Once home, I acclimate it to the water, and to make it comfortable, I put in rocks, sand and some live food, like crabs or snails, so they can still eat like they did before I came into the aquarium. In nature, they hunt; you can see them putting their arms underneath the rocks, into holes and crevices, constantly searching for food, but I get them on frozen food as fast as I can, as getting live food all the time can be a problem, especially in the winter. I get them acclimated to table shrimp, dead mussels and frozen clams to give them a healthy diet all year.

“I truly believe that each octopus is an individual with its own personality. It’s incredible how smart they are. When I walk into the room, Birdie sees me and moves to the top of the tank, knowing I’m going to feed her or give her something to do. When I put my hands in the tank, Birdie immediately comes over and crawls all over my hand and tries to figure out what’s going on or maybe try to pull my hand into her cave. If I’m away on a trip and someone else has to feed Birdie, she’ll squirt water at them, or sometimes she’ll throw the food back or refuse to eat. She definitely recognizes me versus somebody else. They are intelligent; I would go as far as to say as smart as a 2- or 3-year-old human.

‘They see it in a store, think it’s cool and impulsively buy it, and then two days later it’s dead because that just doesn’t work with octopuses.’

“I don’t make any money saving octopuses, definitely not. Everything involved, it’s out of my pocket. My wife also thinks it’s amazing. I mean, she’s not too keen on the money or the time part, but she’s definitely as amazed by octopuses as I am. My kids love it, too. My oldest daughter will stick her hand in the tank and try and play with Birdie, and she’s fascinated with how strong Birdie is.

“I really wouldn’t recommend getting an octopus as a pet, though, because they involve a lot of investment in terms of money, equipment, food, time, dedication; and on top, it takes a lot of experience to recognize the little signs that show an octopus is not doing well, stuff that there’s no test for. You have to be able to notice that on your own. Unfortunately, I hear a lot of stories about people not taking care of their octopus. They see it in a store, think it’s cool and impulsively buy it, and then two days later it’s dead because that just doesn’t work with octopuses.

“When I first got Birdie, I would spend 2 to 3 hours a day in front of the tank just doing things like drinking coffee, eating or any type of activity just so she could get used to my presence, and I still spend about an hour-90 minutes to play with her, feed her or see what she’s doing. I still love it. I’m still constantly learning from her, and I feel like the majority of what makes octopuses fascinating you can’t read about. Unless you truly interact, observe and deal with one on a daily basis, you’re not able to grasp what these creatures are.

“Before I had an octopus, I used to eat calamari, I used to go fishing, but now I’m a total advocate that you shouldn’t eat octopuses. It’s like eating something that has feelings and is able to understand what you’re doing. I mean, you wouldn’t get a dog, raise it, and a year later be like, ‘OK, now you’re dinner!’ They actually have the ability to perceive what’s going on. Birdie, I feel like she loves me. When I come home, my dogs are there wagging their tails, and Birdie is at the top of her tank waiting for me to walk over. She gets excited when I see her. It’s just amazing to be able to observe what she can do and what she’s capable of.”

Interviewed by Ian J. Stark

‘This is a community of very caring people. Despite all the negativity in the world, this work is proof that there are more good people than bad ones.’

Copiague

“I always wanted a rabbit when I was a child, but my parents didn’t want the responsibility. Soon after moving out of my childhood home, I adopted two rabbits. I found the Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group when I was online researching how to best care for my bunnies.

“I attended an event and enjoyed it so much that I ended up volunteering with the organization. At the time, I was not happy with my job, and volunteering gave me such a positive outlet. It made me a better partner, friend and family member.

“I volunteer with the LIRRG now. It saves abandoned, neglected and abused domestic rabbits and educates the public about how to properly care for these sweet creatures.

“Over the past 10 years, I have experienced some very memorable rescues. Once, a conductor at the Long Island Rail Road found a white rabbit cowering under a bench on an elevated platform. The rabbit was not in a cage, and there was nothing stopping him from hopping onto the tracks! Luckily, we were able to get ahold of him and find him a loving forever home.

We put all potential adoptees through a rigorous screening process because rabbits — like any other animal — cannot be an impulse purchase.

“On another occasion, a rabbit was found abandoned in a Sears bathroom at the Broadway Mall. I often think about a little rabbit named Paisley who I fostered during the pandemic in 2020. She had lost the use of her back legs; we assume she was hit by a car or dropped by a human.

“LIRRG can get 40 to 60 calls a month about abandoned rabbits, and many times the people who find the rabbits end up adopting them. This is a community of very caring people. Despite all the negativity in the world, this work is proof that there are more good people than bad ones.

“We put all potential adoptees through a rigorous screening process because rabbits — like any other animal — cannot be an impulse purchase. People need to understand that rabbits can live over 10 years, they need special diets, safe indoor spaces and vets who understand their physiology.

“If something can be chewed, it will be chewed! If you have a rabbit that you cannot care for, surrender it to a rescue. Please don’t abandon it.”

Interviewed by Meagan Meehan

‘Working in high school is tricky. Acting is what I love doing, and I’m grateful for these experiences.’

Garden City

“I’m an actor, singer and tap dancer. My big break was when I was 7 and shot the film ‘Prisoners’ with Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. I didn’t know anyone, and I went up to Hugh Jackman and asked him if he had to audition for the movie. He said, ‘Oh, no.’ I said, ‘Lucky!’

“I’ve been in the business since I was a baby model. My first memory of acting is when I was 2 or 3. I booked a modeling job, and they dressed me up as Rapunzel. I wanted to be the best Rapunzel ever! I learned that I like getting attention from people. One of my funniest memories is when I was 11 and did a show called ‘Odd Mom Out.’ My character got her period, and there was a song and dance number called ‘Go with the Flow.’ There were even background dancers!

“I’m a senior in high school now. I either go straight from school to the city for auditions, or on Saturdays I go to a coach who tapes my auditions. I want to make sure I’m the best I can be. I bring my scripts to school, and my friend rehearses with me. Working in high school is tricky. You have a lot of pressure to keep your grades up, and that’s only when you book the job. You don’t really have excuses when you have to audition. It’s what I love doing, and I’m grateful for these experiences. It’s not for people who aren’t willing to put in the work. You have to be willing to not do clubs or sports. If I book a job, I’m out. I can’t go to every party and hangout.

“Though acting is a part of me, it’s not all there is to me. I’m on a tap competition team, and take three APs at my school; plus, I attend Long Island High School for the Arts. My most recent job was the Apple TV+ series ‘Dickinson,’ which starred Hailee Steinfeld. I played Emily Dickinson’s evil cousin. I got to dress up like I lived in the 1800s. The first time I tried on a corset, I couldn’t breathe! I tell people they can’t take rejection personally. I’ve worked on about 17 jobs, but I’ve gone on hundreds of auditions. I’ve learned that I have a lot of perseverance. I know that I can push myself to keep going no matter what. Sometimes I’ll miss a party because I’m waiting all day to film something. When I think back, I ask myself, ‘Was it worth it?’ My answer is always yes.”

Interviewed by Iris Wiener

‘My parents were told I would be in a vegetative state for the rest of my life. I never gave up.’

Greenlawn

“When I was 11 years old, I got hit by a car and died on the spot. I had a garden that summer, and so I was bringing my grandparents some tomatoes after school. On my way, I stopped to talk to some friends on the side of the street. A car was speeding and hit me. There were 20-foot streaks in the road. An ambulance came and resuscitated me. I was brought to the hospital. I wasn’t conscious. They drilled a hole in my head to drain the blood and relieve pressure.

“I was in a coma for four months. Nobody expected me to come out of the coma, and if I did come out of it, my parents were told I would be in a vegetative state for the rest of my life. I proved them wrong. I never gave up. I was in therapy after, and I had to learn how to walk and talk again. I had to learn how to do everything again. I was comatose. After I got the physical and occupational therapy to walk again, I needed to go to another rehab to learn cognitive skills, like how to talk and make conversations. After that, I went to school for people with disabilities. I didn’t have a good experience at that school. My brain was still dealing with a lot, and I would have these behaviors that I couldn’t control. I didn’t know how to handle certain situations, and they would just restrain me. I came home with bruises on my legs and back from being restrained as a way to calm down. They dragged me by my arms down a flight of stairs.

“Some people’s parents are controlling, but mine have been so supportive and amazing. They want me to live the life I want to live. I am so thankful for their guidance and for never restricting me from doing things that I am allowed to do. They have been there for me through it all. I have a great support system. My friends, mentors, and the people who run the organization I’m with now have been so great and supportive as well.”

I advocate for people with disabilities, like me.

“A lot of programs and schools for people with disabilities couldn’t handle what I needed; I also had diabetes. A few years later, when I was 15, I went to a brain injury school in Massachusetts and lived in a residential group home. It wasn’t a good experience. I was underweight at only 89 pounds. I left when I was 19 and came back to Long Island. I moved into a group home and then to an intermediate care facility. It’s the best option for me because they have around-the-clock nursing. I have epilepsy, which developed over time from the brain injury. I had the seizures under control for a while, but then the medication dosage wasn’t enough. It was difficult to manage, but in 2011, I got an implant in my chest called a vagus nerve stimulator. It’s a wire in my chest that’s tied to my vagus nerve. It’s connected to the cerebellum in my brain, which is where most of the seizures come from, and it goes off every three minutes to stop a seizure. I still have breakthrough seizures, which are caused by stress, but now they are only once or twice a month, compared to having them about five times a day like I used to.

“I’ve been in my current group home since 2016, and the staff is great. It’s run by AHRC Nassau, and I am in Citizens Options Unlimited. I have a paid job within AHRC Nassau as a training assistant. I also volunteer with the agency. I advocate for people with disabilities, like me. I take advantage of the fact that I have one. I can walk in their shoes. I know the experiences they go through. There are some people who can’t advocate for themselves. They can’t talk or express how they feel. They can’t stick up for themselves. I want to help the people who need it most. It’s a group of us who advocate for them. We have weekly meetings on how to advocate for yourself. I also volunteer in other places like food pantries. When I’m not advocating or volunteering, I knit and crochet in my downtime. I sell what I make, such as hats, scarves, teddy bears, and I’m beginning to sew pillows. I donate a large majority of the money to juvenile diabetes research. I’ve been doing this for over 10 years and, so far, I’ve donated close to $15,000.”

It’s nerve-racking to rely on others, especially when you’re capable and just need a bit of support.

“I used to go up to Albany with the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State to talk to the legislators and senators about making new laws. Since SANYS is across the state, they are low on staff, or they’re sometimes called direct support professionals. One of our ideas is to raise their pay. We want the staff helping us to be paid well. They do so much for us. We need them. They make sure we take our medications. They cook for us, they bathe and feed some people. They even physically move some people every half hour into different positions.

“My agency supports over 2,000, maybe even 3,000 people with disabilities. I want to be treated equally, and I want people with disabilities to be treated equally. We don’t get treated equally. We have a big label on our heads, and it isn’t fair. We get treated with respect within my agency, but there are some agencies out there where people with disabilities don’t get treated right. I have the option that if I wanted to, I could move out and get something called self direction. It’s funded through Medicaid, but the funding could run out after a few years, so I’m afraid to use it early on. Some of my friends had to opt out of it because their funding ran out. Also, in an agency, you always have a backup to the backup. There’s a pool of substitute staff that each group home gets.

“With self direction, if someone has an emergency, there is a backup step called paid neighbor, but if that person doesn’t get to you in time, then there’s nobody else to help. I am very capable, but I need help with my medications. I tried self direction once on my own, and I know I can so I could get self direction if I wanted to, but it’s a lot of responsibility. I would be nervous that I would mess it up, and it’s a lot to carry on my shoulders. If I get nervous or make a mistake, my heart rate and anxiety will spike, causing a breakthrough seizure.

“It’s nerve-racking to rely on others, especially when you’re capable and just need a bit of support. That’s something people with disabilities have to deal with – always relying on others. I would like to be a spokesperson or present at conferences regarding advocacy for people with disabilities. That’s a dream of mine. That’s where I want to be headed.”

Interviewed by Melanie Gulbas

‘I want open communication around our feelings. This film is a way to hopefully open your mind and get a conversation going.’

Dix Hills

“Last year, I lost a lifelong friend unexpectedly and went through an immense amount of grief. A few months after losing him, I lost my closest uncle. These emotions served as the inspiration for the short film I wrote and directed, ‘Speak to Me.’

“It’s a short film about mental health struggles for men. My friend who passed away inspired it. I have a big group of friends, and we didn’t know Barry was dealing with as much as he was. He was healthy, in shape, and yet we still lost him suddenly. They said they found him unresponsive.

“It was my son’s birthday, and I got the phone call. More than half of my friend group was together when I got that call. They looked over at me and saw that I was crying. I was blessed to have a support system with me on that day and for the months that followed. My group of friends, wife and family are all nonjudgmental and allow me to be vulnerable with them.

My father would tell me to ‘be a man,’ and that statement could be damaging to a young boy.

“My friends and I joke around all the time, but we also have deep conversations and uplift each other. We’re always there for each other. A few months after Barry passed, my uncle passed away. He was my biggest cheerleader.

“I wrote the script a month later and sent it to my friend, who became its producer and co-director. I used the creative process as my therapy. Barry had a clothing line and was working to release Olive Forever.

“He will live through my art. His living on Earth inspired and ignited my fire. He was an inspiration, and he passed away as a legend. The film dives into the mental health struggles men deal with, including shocking statistics on the amount of Black men who see mental problems as a personal weakness. I see this in my own community and with how I grew up from generations past.

“My father would tell me to ‘be a man,’ and that statement could be damaging to a young boy. Our ancestors dealt with traumas, and these stigmas around mental health should be broken. I have three awesome kids. I want them to know it’s all right to cry and to use their words to tell me how they’re feeling. I want open communication around our feelings. This film is a way to hopefully open your mind and get a conversation going. Mental health is for everyone.”

Interviewed by Melanie Gulbas