Hey everyone!

I come to you on behalf of BLake and Sesot, and myself, with a request.

I am producing a video for the American Cancer Society event that is being planned in Kansas City by David’s fans that will hopefully coincide with the tour's arrival in our rocker’s hometown! I am SO, SO honored to be a part of this project. Thank you to BLake for including me in this thing. I couldn't be happier to do this for this event.

The goal of this video is to help the American Cancer Society reach a broader and younger demographic than The Society might otherwise reach with early detection and prevention information. We want to help them get the word out!

This video is part of our support of the American Cancer Society's efforts this summer and we're hoping to allow The Society to use this video at whichever events they choose for the next 15 months.

We also want to use it ourselves to recruit volunteers and motivate all of David’s fans to join in the effort (remember, David’s big birthday event is just around the corner!).

The request I'm coming to you with is very important to this video. The video is to *celebrate* those who have battled the disease while sharing facts about cancer, awareness information, and volunteer opportunities.


What I need from you, if you'd like to be included:

-HAPPY and FUN pictures of people whose lives have been impacted by cancer -- photos of them living life. What does that mean? Well, someone already submitted a Halloween pic! Feel free to include friends/family of those who battled.

-It is OK to send photos of someone who has passed but PLEASE make them HAPPY photos.

-FOR EVERYONE: We need permission from all in the photo you're submitting, including yourself. If it is someone who has lost the battle, family must approve inclusion in video.***

-You may also include a SMALL, small fact or two about the people in the picture, nothing much though, just a little something. Maybe a quick way of telling how they've been affected by cancer or something.

-Basically the idea for this video is that cancer really touches the lives of people living their day-to-day lives. We want to support them, honor them and show everyone who has impacted that there is hope, through the work of the American Cancer Society.


THE DEADLINE FOR ALL IMAGES IS Wednesday, August 6th, 2008.

-No small images please. Please make your images at LEAST 500x500.

-I need high-res images since this video will be viewed on a large screen, higher than 72 dpi.

***Submit all of your images to DCorg_sportyoursupport@hotmail.com, not in this thread, or in PM's. Please send them to that e-mail.***

If you have any questions, please refer them to BLAKE or SESOT, not myself. They are the ones you really need to go to, unless it has to do with the size of your photos or something along those lines, that has to do with my production of the video.

I hope you all consider including yourself in this. We're all very excited about this project and hope that you are as well.


***By submitting your photograph(s) and video to David-Cook.org or the DCorg_sportyoursupport@hotmail.com email address, you agree that David-Cook.org (“Sponsor”) and its assignees, including the American Cancer Society, shall have, without further obligation to you, the royalty free, fully paid up, non-exclusive right to copy, publicly display, broadcast, publicly perform and use, worldwide in any event or online media now known or hereafter developed, including but not limited to the World Wide Web at any time or times on or before December 31, 2009, subject to the availability of your photograph(s) and video(s), your user name(s), portrait, picture, likeness, submitted photographs and titles to the photographs (if any) as news or information and for advertising, trade and promotional purposes solely in connection with David-Cook.org and the American Cancer Society marketing materials without additional consideration, without notice, and without additional compensation unless prohibited by law.

Steph, this is an absolutely amazing project. I am in awe of the three of you and your commitment.

Steph, I'm so proud of you!! This is AWESOME!

Steph, Sesot, and BLake,

What classy women you are! I am so proud to be associated with this awesome group of people.

I will email my information asap.

With Sincere Gratitude for All That You Do,

Jess

Thank you, SaucyAussie! And to everyone for your kind words.

This is a project that has been bubbling around since early June when we first started working with the American Cancer Society. And the first member we thought of was Saucy, due to her amazing fan videos she has put together throughout David's journey:

• Here You Come Again
• My Wish
• What I Like About You
• It's My Life
• There Goes My Hero
• Best Days

Steph has an amazing talent. Her musicality is second-to-none, and we are just so grateful that she agreed to work on this important project for the Kansas City event to benefit the American Cancer Society. (And we're trying desperately to get Steph permission to use one of David's songs! *cross your fingers, everyone*!)

Please, if you can, let's support Steph in her efforts to have her amazing work shown offline in front of (hopefully) hundreds to thousands of people! This is a huge opportunity for the American Cancer Society, to spread the word to a younger demographic and to show David how much we support the causes close to his heart. Send in your celebratory pix of your personal hero who has battled, D-C.org-ers!

Please spread the word around the board and to any friends/family they may also wish to be included (even if they are not D-C.org-ers).

Lisa, that's the way to put tears in my eyes, that's twice now for you Thank you for saying all of that. It means a lot to ME that you guys would think of me for this project. I know I've said it a lot, but I'll say it again: THANK YOU, so much. I'm so happy to be a part of this project.

And yes, everyone please spead the word however you can!!

~Steph

This is an awesome idea!! I am very excited to see the end result, because, like David said, everyone has been impacted to some degree with this disease. I know I sure have. My cousin is battling it as we speak.

This is a great project to be involved in because cancer affects so many people. . .I think we all must know someone personally who's life has been changed by cancer. Thanks to all who are involved in this project.

Thank you all for your kind words. A Special thanks to SaucyAussie for agreeing to help us with this project, you were definitely the first person we thought of for the job. We really have a chance to reach so many people with this video.

Cancer has probably touched all of us in one way or another. Please send in any "happy" photos of you, your family, friends doing something they love to do (ie- hanging out, on vacation, holiday fun, hobbies, etc). The key is to show people "Living" life to the fullest. We want to truly show this disease impacts all ages, races, and genders.

Please make sure you have permission from everyone in the photos you send us, since these will be used on a National level by the American Cancer Society, and hopefully on the internet. Whatever photos you send, please do send a brief blurb about the folks in the photo and how cancer has impacted their lives.


Thank you in advance for everyone who participates in this project!!!!!!!!!

Susan, Lisa, Steph: Again no words can express all the wonderful work you folks are doing to lead this effort.

I will be looking at some photos of my sister over the next couple of days and will send to you so that she can be included.

This is very heartwarming.

...Annette

Wow! Your enthusiasm for the American Cancer Society projects is astounding! We have two photo submissions in less than 12 hours since Steph announced her production!

Keep them coming!

THANK YOU!

Great work ladies!

I'll make this project #1 and spread the word! Hopefully you will be flooded with pictures soon!

Thank you SaucyAussieCookFan for offering to make this video! IT'S AWESOME! Lisa and Susan, well you're always AWESOME!!

This is a great idea and I can't wait to see the video!

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to say something in here since this is related to cancer and all.

I don't know how many of you have heard of the Carnegie Mellon professor, Randy Pausch, but he was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and instead of moping around and letting it take everything away from him, he decided to live the rest of his life that he had left to fullest. He gave his students a "last lecture" and it turned into something huge on the internet and then it turned into a book, and the lecture was very, very inspiration to me, as well as Randy inspiring me. What I'm getting to though, is that he lost his battle with cancer this morning and even though it was inevitable since he knew he was going to die soon, it still very much saddens me since he was such a big inspiration.

~Steph

Wow! This sounds like an AMAZING project!
You know that I'm here to help in any way possible!

This is such a great project. I've got lots of pictures to include. I'll also be going to both KC shows, so let me know if you need any assistance!

Oh, Steph. Thank you for letting us know. I have been so touched by Randy's journey and the poise & grace with which he traveled it. *sigh* I'm so sad, and that may sound selfish because perhaps he is in a better place or maybe in less pain. But Randy is a fellow cancer fighter who always helped me to keep my own journey in perspective. *tears* I will pray for his wife and children and keep them in my thoughts.

Randy is such an inspiration. For anyone who hasn't seen his "last lecture," please check it out: Randy Pausch's last lecture


You know it, lindz. Actually, you might be a good focus group for us.


Stacey81, we'll look forward to your photos! Thank you so much!

And YES! We will definitely need some help with KC . . . (sesot and I are also traveling in for both shows, and cookedinflorida may come in to join us/help out too!) . . .as soon as we have details locked down, we will be able to share them with everyone. BUT YES, we'll need lots and lots of help. Thank you for your offer, and we'll definitely be in touch!

This is such a wonderful project - you ladies are simply amazing! I don't really have images to contribute (although I have lost family members to cancer and have other friends and family who have battled successfully - I'm just not much of a photographer), but I'm so impressed by the effort that I'll gladly help in any other way I can -please feel free to call upon me!

~laura

Laura, thanks for your note! We definitely want to honor as many heroes as we can. So, if you find that you have a photo or two you feel comfortable including, we would love to have them! Totally up to you.

We'll definitely keep you in mind for any help we need on the video, and we definitely have some items that we are asking all volunteers (not just those on the ground in KC) to help us out with. There are lots of things that can be done virtually -- and in advance. Let me see what is still not finished. I have something in mind but need to check with sesot.

Thank you so much for your enthusiasm (and kind words). None of this is possible without everyone's support and participation!

BLake, sesot and everyone involved, I am continuously impressed with all that you do. You're all so committed and so enthusiastic about being able to help and make a difference and make something GOOD in this world. SaucyAussieCookFan/Steph, I have not seen any of your fan videos yet but I'll be sure to check them out. From the glowing reports in here, I know I'm in for a treat.

I have an uncle who's battled cancer for a few years. At the moment, he is cancer free but I know nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to this illness. I don't have a photo to contribute because I don't think my uncle will be comfortable with that. I just wanted to chime in here and say what you guys are doing is very very heartwarming to know about. Good luck with the project!

Thanks Steph for the update on Randy Pausch. I am SO sorry to hear that he lost his battle today. He's actually been on my mind a lot lately. I first saw his last lecture on Oprah and I literally sat there IN TEARS, so moved by his optimism and positive outlook, so amazed at how he was turning something ugly into something beautiful. He delivered the lecture SUPERBLY and never lost it once except at the end when talking about his wife and children. Only then did he get emotional and almost cried but he held it together. I was so incredibly impressed and moved.

I have seen his book in stores and I am planning on getting it. What a way to look at life. I cannot imagine KNOWING that I am going to die soon and being able to view it the way he did and make the MOST out of the time he had left. Very valuable LIFE lesson for all to learn.

Rest in peace and God Bless to Randy Pausch.

Once again, good luck you guys in your project and looking forward to what I know will be a GREAT end product. You ladies are incredible yourself.

I would send in a picture I have of one of my friends that died, but I'm not in contact with her family anymore, I have no idea where they are, so I can't get permission. Wish I could help though.

We understand, it is the thought that counts. You can however send a picture of yourself since you have been impacted. All the pictures don't have to include someone with cancer, or that battled the disease. We would like to get pics of family and friends that have been impacted too.


I hope that several David-Cook.org members will participate in this very special video!

Everyone involved with this project is amazing and I thank you for it.

My mom has been battling leukemia for the past year and her body has rejected the treatment she needs. Her doctors are looking for new medications to help her fight her cancer. The type of leukemia she has does not respond to chemo and she is not a bone marrow candidate. We just have to keep hoping and praying that the doctors will find a treatment that can help her as best as possible.

Rheanne, I'm so sorry to hear that the disease has impacted you so personally. We will be thinking of you, your mother and all of your loved ones. Try to keep the faith and know that there are so many people dedicated to funding the much-needed research to find alternative therapies and, hopefully, someday a cure!

If you need anything, please feel free to come here for a (((rheanne)))).

Rheanne, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let me know if I can do anything for you, even just listen. My daddy has been battling cancer for several years now, so I am definitely someone who knows the toll this disease can take on a family, please know I am here.

My God--How uterly outstanding is this!!! I haven't been to a "church" in years, but this is going to be my new Sunday Go to Meeting Place! I feel connected with something bigger and better here--thanks for that!!!

amazing idea.

Hey guys--Is it ok if I add a pic of my mom to this video? She was diagnosed with breast CA in 1983--thankfully, she didn't need any follow-up treatmenat (chemo or radiation), and she remained cancer free for the rest of her life. She did pass away last year, but not from cancer...I have a wonderful pic of her with a great smile on her face--is this appropriate? Just let me know...

Hi Dyann

I'm pretty sure that would be fine to include, but go ahead and contact Lisa or Susan about it to make sure

*hugs* Thanks for wanting to be involved.

~Steph

Yes! Saucy is correct, Dyann. The story is that cancer affects everyone (you, your mom, anyone, it seems). Saucy's vid will honor anyone who has been impacted . . . that is our goal. So, please submit your photo.



Everyone, Steph's deadline is coming up. *Please* consider being part of this important project for the event at the P&L distriction in KC the weekend of David's homecoming concerts. While he himself cannot be there due to previous commitments (which we support and understand), he has asked us to carry on! (And I'm pretty sure it might be Steph's offline debut -- on a jumbotron, no less. )

Deadline is tomorrow, folks!

I'm guilt of procrastinating and not submitting my own pix yet. Ugh! Sorry, Steph!

PLEASE consider submitting your photos for this very important project. We've received some really sweet and touching photos thus far, but we NEED more.

Thank you!!

I emailed a picture of me and my Grandmother to the email address in the first post. I hope you get it.

i stumbled into this too late, since the deadline is today and I don't have the pics to send. but BIG KUDOS to you Susan, Lisa and Steph....i truly commend you for the heart that you've invested into this. I would like to share this anecdote with you but I dont have a picture to send so I don't know if you could use this.

I have a background in oncology nursing; in the other hospital where I used to work, I was giving chemo frequently and I've had some patients whom I have become close with. Some have lost the battle, some have moved here to Houston (where I work/live now) to get more advanced treatment, and some I don't have any updates on. One kinda funny story I have was that, I was about to give chemo to this gentleman for the first time and his family was like a battalion strong and they were really crowding inside the room. So I've asked some of them to step out and one of the several that have remained, asked me out of the blue, about my marital status. So...I said that I was single. Maybe she was just trying to distract every one's attention from fact that the chemo was starting or maybe she was really serious....all of a sudden she was like, trying to ask me out in behalf of her son. She was listing all his "good" qualities and she thinks that it would be a great idea. I thought to myself....does this lady even see how ordinary/plain I am. I mean I'm hardly ever the type to have moms set up dates for their sons. I don't remember how it played out after but it just provided a light moment on an otherwise stressful situation.

once again....here's to you three for undertaking a worthy endeavor! sending you lotsa love and positive energy.... I'm pretty stoked about the forthcoming outcome.

Just to close the loop here.

Steph has graciously agreed to post the near-final draft that played at the Kansas City benefit. She has uploaded it to the tUbe for everyone to see.



Steph's reply about the posting (high-quality recommended, as always).

Full credit to our very own SaucyAussie for doing such a fantastic job on this important part of the benefit and our ongoing efforts. Thank you, Steph. Please check out the video, rate it & comment!

And thank you to everyone who submitted photos. We couldn't have done it without you.

And extra-special thanks to Andy Skib for granting us permission to use "The Story of Your Life" as the soundtrack to Steph's phenomenal art.