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STORYTELLERS
The Power of Film
The Storytellers series was created to educate its viewers on risk awareness while hopefully preventing a spinal cord injury. The film delves into the profound and often unseen challenges faced by individuals at the beginning of an uphill journey with paralysis. Through intimate interviews, films can capture the resilience, daily struggles, and personal triumphs of those navigating life with an SCI. It highlights the innovative therapies and support systems that are transforming lives, while also shedding light on the emotional and psychological impact of such injuries. Storytellers films aim to inspire and educate, offering a poignant look at human strength and the relentless pursuit of independence and quality of life. Storytellers is much more than a story. It's a chance to learn, prepare, assess, and find gratitude.
Volume one: Jake Thibeault
A 12-minute mini documentary following Jake through a day in his life of living with a spinal cord injury after a hockey collision when he was 18. Jake gives the viewer intimate access to his life three years later, now as a sophomore at Babson College. We see what it's like to navigate life with a disability as a young adult, while maintaining an unwavering drive to overcome barriers. Designed for education, the film showcases themes of determination, perseverance, SCI awareness, injury prevention and vulnerability all told through Jakes eyes.
Application
Storytellers promotes education by awareness. Presentations target high school students, healthcare settings, and businesses.
A 30-minute presentation includes:
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Brief introduction on JTF and the film
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12-minute film
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Short follow-up slides with takeaways for situation readiness
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Q&A
Presentations are FREE for most organizations within 30-minutes from Lowell, MA
Outcomes
Learn more about how storytelling can make a difference in the lives of those who listen.
High Schools
Engage with students to address social issues around disability, educate on injury prevention, and create positive change. Together, we can build a better, and safer future for everyone.
Outcomes
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Understand situational risk
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Best practices for increasing safety as independence grows
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Learn simple stats around SCI
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Reduce stigma around wheelchair users
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Create a more inclusive world
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Each student leaves informed, inspired and prepared
Healthcare Centers
Empower individuals through educational initiatives. Our Storytellers series can be utilized by healthcare networks to bring real world examples into clinical practices.
Outcomes
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Visualize life after in-patient hospital stay
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Create a sense of belonging by connecting to the story
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Grow optimism for the future
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Each viewer leaves informed, inspired and prepared
Businesses
Promote motivating and inspiring stories through powerful messaging. Learn about SCI through lived experience storytelling and find gratitude in each employees life.
Outcomes
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Develop an understanding of SCI
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Real world motivation and intrinsic assessment
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Emphasize teamwork and community engagement
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Each employee leaves informed, inspired and prepared
Larry Melton
CEO, The Building People
Leesburg, VA
“So many emotions run through my mind watching this—first as a dad, and as a CEO leading an incredibly hard working and passionate team. When I first saw the video, I felt the goose bumps, emotions, and flashbacks. This video chronicles the real-life emotions that come from life changing events. I know when our team watched this, they were so proud of our support of your Foundation. Keep the faith.”
Penny Morrison-Ross
Shepherd Center
Atlanta, GA
"What a compelling story about one person’s journey to inspire many others already managing life with SCI while also providing injury prevention fundamentals for countless others. Building a greater understanding around SCI and equipping a knowledgable community invites unprecedented opportunity for us all moving forward."
Dianne Vitkus
Kelly Brush Foundation
Boston, MA
"Jake's inspiring story is a reminder to all those living with a spinal cord injury that we are a resilient force to be reckoned with. The film gives an inside look to finding a new purpose in life."