Media Kit October 2019

Visionalist Entertainment Productions

The beloved comedian Gilda Radner put it best when she quipped, “Cancer gave me a membership in an elite club I’d rather not belong to.” ‘The Big C’ has been evoking fear in those on the receiving-end of the diagnosis since medicine began. Hippocrates is responsible for the name, believing that the finger-like spread of the disease resembled a crab; also the origin of the Zodiac sign. Roman physician Celsus used the term “oncos” to describe a tumor, forming the root of our present-day word ‘oncology’. Emmy award-winning Director and Producer Keith Famie is in the final stages of “Those on the Front Lines of Cancer”, giving a voice to those who are in the midst of a terrifying journey. The film will explore nationally recognized medical professionals in the trenches searching for a cure or new progressive treatments as well as looking at natural sources to beating this devastating disease. An in-depth look will be taken as to how lifestyle changes and discipline can affect what might otherwise be a genetic roll of the dice. Media personality and WOMC morning radio host JoAnne Purtan will host the Detroit Public Television/PBS three-hour special; the first hour of the documentary will air on October 10th, 2019 from 9pm-10pm followed by the remaining two hours on October 17th, 2019 from 9pm-11pm. To see the website for the film, learn about current supporters, and watch the complete trailer please go to:

http://ontodaysfrontlines.com/cancer https://www.facebook.com/thoseonthefrontlinesofcancer/

We would like to thank our Executive Producers who have helped make this film possible:

Sky Foundation, Inc., Warren & Carol Ann Rose, John & Carole Kulhavi, Tony & Mary Schimizzi and Jack & Annette Aronson.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Keith Famie 248-869-0096 (Office) 248-318-2534 (Cell) famie@famie.com

New Detroit Public Television Documentary “Those on the Front

Lines of Cancer” Premiere DETROIT- (October 3, 2019) – Producer/Director Keith Famie debuted his latest film “Those on the Front Lines of Cancer” with a special community leader premiere on October 2nd, 2019 at Emagine Theater in Royal Oak, Michigan. The film is produced by Famie’s Visionalist Entertainment Productions. The premiere featured a special 100-minute cut from the upcoming debut broadcast of the three-hour film on Detroit Public Television/PBS. The film is hosted by JoAnne Purtan, morning host at WOMC-FM radio and one of Michigan's most respected broadcast journalists, who recently wrapped up a 20-year tenure as a Detroit television reporter and anchor. Nearly two years in the making, the documentary features heartfelt stories and several well-known, medical professionals – locally and nationally. Please see the attached list of both Michigan-based featured professionals and featured professionals, nationally. Working in the trenches with these professionals, Famie explores the latest medical advances as well as body, mind, and spirit approaches and how lifestyle changes and disciplines can affect what may otherwise be a genetic roll of the dice. In addition to leading medical professionals, the Visionalist Entertainment Productions team worked with many local organizations including Sky Foundation, Artichoke Garlic Foundation, Gilda’s Club, Heart to Heart Hospice, Kids Kicking Cancer, Kids Without Cancer, Mission of Hope Cancer Fund, New Day Foundation for Families, Rainbow Connection, The Pink Fund, Wrapped in Love and Wish Upon a Teen. Through these foundations and their support, Visionalist Entertainment Productions met many individuals in the midst of their own cancer journey who were willing to tell their stories. “Those on the Front Lines of Cancer” will debut on Detroit Public Television/PBS, Channel 56 in Detroit. The first hour of the documentary will air on October 10th, 2019 from 9pm to 10pm with the final two hours following October 17th, 2019 from 9pm to 11pm. This three-hour documentary is broken down into the following segments:

• Fear of Cancer • Diagnosis & Prevention • Breast Cancer • Children’s Oncology • Environmental Toxins • Blood Cancer • Brain Cancer • Precision Medicine • Colon Cancer • Lifestyle • Melanoma

• Pancreatic Cancer • Prostate Cancer • Community Organizations • Is Cancer Big Business? • Immunotherapy • Financial Toxicity • Opioids vs. Marijuana • Lung Cancer • Integrative Medicine • Advocacy • Cancer Etiquette

“Cancer – this word evokes fear into anyone who hears a doctor use it in the context of a checkup. I truly wanted to explore where we are with treatments and research as well as better understand how lifestyle can impact our long-term health to possibly avoid a cancer diagnosis. Most importantly, I wanted to give a voice to those on a cancer journey – enabling these unsung heroes of the film to teach us about strength, courage, faith, and the drive to overcome this devastating disease,” said Famie. Media personality JoAnne Purtan, host of the 3-hour documentary, commented about the film, “Cancer affects all of us in one way or another. I watched both my mom and mother -in- law battle ovarian cancer for years, and currently have friends facing their own cancer journey. This film provides hope… hope for new treatments on the horizon and hope for alleviating the financial toxicity that often accompanies a diagnosis. What an honor it is to work with Keith Famie and to be a part of such an important project." Fred Nahhat, Senior Vice President of Programming at Detroit Public Television/PBS shared his thoughts on the documentary, stating “There can be no better use of our documentary programming, than to explain and explore the latest work being done on the front lines of cancer and other diseases. Keith has the unique ability to document the latest in science while telling personal stories of patients and families, finding spirit amid the struggle and challenges of life-changing events.” The film’s support comes from many community leaders, as well as Executive Producers Jack and Annette Aronson, John and Carol Kulhavi, Warren and Carol Anne Rose, Anthony and Mary Schimizzi, and the Sky Foundation. To learn more about the production, please go to http://ontodaysfrontlines.com/cancer/

MICHIGAN FEATURED MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Gregory A. Yanik, MD C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital | University of Michigan Medicine | Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Pediatric hematology-oncology • Founder, Executive Committee for the Children’s Hematology Alliance of Michigan • Member, Executive Committee at Make a Wish Foundation

Rajen Mody, MD, MS, MBBS C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Director, Pediatric hematology/oncology • Director, Ruth Heyn Professor of Pediatrics Clinical and MPLAN Medical • Principal Investigator, Pediatric Phase-I and experimental therapeutics program

Jeffrey W. Taub, MD Children’s Hospital of Michigan | Detroit, Michigan

• Professor, division of hematology oncology • Pediatric Hematology/Oncology • Principal Investigator, multi-site study Children’s Oncology Group

Megan Caram, MD Michigan Medicine Urology Oncology Clinic | Rogel Cancer Center | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine, Hematology • Focus: advanced prostate cancer

David S. Kwon, MD Henry Ford Hospital | Detroit, Michigan

• Board-certified surgeon and fellowship-trained surgical oncologist • Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine

Kenneth J. Levin, MD Henry Ford Hospital | West Bloomfield, Michigan

• Specializes in breast cancer, gynecologic cancer and spine cancer • Senior staff physician • Medical Director, Department of Radiation Oncology • President, Michigan Society of Therapeutic Radiologists and Oncologists

Craig Stevens, MD, Ph.D. Radiation Oncology | Beaumont Hospital | Royal Oak, Michigan

• Chairman of Radiation Oncology at Beaumont Health Eric A. Brown, MD, FACS Comprehensive Breast Care | Troy, Michigan

• Board Certified, General Surgery and Breast Ultrasound • Assistant Professor of surgery, William Beaumont Oakland University School of

Medicine • Co-Principle Investigator, Beaumont Cancer Institute NCORP • Principle Investigator, Beaumont Hospital clinical trials

Michael S. Meininger, MD

Beaumont Hospital | Royal Oak, Michigan • Board certified plastic surgeon, breast procedures

Howard Terebelo, DO Ascension Providence Hospital | Southfield, Michigan

• Specializes in Hematologic and Oncology • ABIM Board of Internal Medicine • Specializes in treatment of prostate cancer

Steven M. Katzman, DO Internal Medicine & Hospice Care | Beaumont Hospital | Farmington Hills, Michigan

• In practice over 28 years • Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians/Internal Medicine

Tracie Baker, D.V.M., Ph.D. Integrative Biosciences Center | Wayne State University | Detroit, Michigan

• Assistant Professor; Wayne State University, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Department of Pharmacology

• Assistant Professor; Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy • Assistant Professor; Health Sciences • Substantial academic training and research in developmental biology, environmental

toxicology, genetics and animal health. Ryan Thummel, Ph.D. Associate Professor | Wayne State University | Detroit, Michigan

• Anatomy and Cell Biology/Ophthalmology • Focused research on retinal development and regeneration in zebrafish

Carl Koschman, MD Michigan Medicine Pediatric Hematology Oncology | C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital | Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Assistant Professor • Areas of specialty: care of children and young adults with brain tumors, specializes in

research and treatment of high-risk brain tumors, including high-grade glioma and DIPG

Dana Zakalik, MD Beaumont Hospital| Royal Oak & Troy, Michigan

• Specializes in cancer genetics/cancer risk assessment, breast cancer, and hematologic oncology

• Oversees cancer genetics program Peyman Kabolizadeh, MD, PhD Beaumont Hospital | Proton Therapy Center | Royal Oak, Michigan

• Director of the Beaumont Proton Therapy Center Anne Frances Schott, MD

Michigan Medicine | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan • Specializes in medical oncology and internal medicine • Practices treatment of individuals who have Stages I-IV breast cancer • Clinical Professor of Medicine and Associate Director of Clinical Research, Rogel

Cancer Center • Deputy Chair, SWOG

Shawna Kraft, PharmD, BCOP Michigan Medicine | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Oncology • PGY2 Oncology Residency Program Director

Abhinav Deol M.D. Karmanos Cancer Institute | Wayne State University | Detroit, Michigan

• Department of Oncology • Bone Marrow Transplantation & Hematologic Multidisciplinary Teams • Treatment of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma,

Myelodysplasia (MDS), Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

NATIONALLY FEATURED PROFESSIONALS

Mark A. Rosenberg, MD Advanced Medical Therapeutics | Boca Raton, Florida

• President and Medical Director, Advanced Medical Therapeutics and Integrative Cancer Therapeutics

• Program Director, Integrative Cancer Fellowship • Chief Medical Officer Laboratory for Advanced Medicine • Co-founder, Channel Therapeutics, LLC | Co-founder, HighPoint Therapeutics, LLC

Frank D. Vrionis, MD, MPH, PhD Marcus Neuroscience Institute | Boca Raton, Florida

• Institute Director, Marcus Neuroscience Institute • Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, Boca Raton Regional Hospital

Vernon Sondak, MD Moffitt Cancer Center | Tampa, Florida

• Chair, Department of Cutaneous Oncology • Areas of specialty: cutaneous oncology, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, sarcoma,

skin cancer (nonmelanoma) Rebecca Katz, MS Consultant, Speaker, Teacher, Author, Chef | San Francisco, California

• Master of Science, Health & Nutrition Education • Author, The Cancer Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer

Treatment and Beyond • Founder and Director, Healing Kitchens Institute • Executive Chef Emeritus, The Center for Mind-Body Medicine’s Renowned Food as

Medicine professional training I medical nutrition therapy Catherine Metayer, MD, PhD

UC Berkley School of Public Health | Berkley, California • Adjunct Professor; Epidemiology/Biostatistics • Principal Investigator, California Childhood Leukemia Study • Director, Center for Integrative Research on Childhood Leukemia and the

Environment • Chair, Childhood Leukemia International Consortium Studies

David H. Raulet, PhD UC Berkley | Department of Molecular & Cell Biology | Berkley, California

• Schekman Chair in Cancer Biology • Professor, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology • Recognized expert in biology, cancer immunology, natural killer cells, T-cell

development and function, pathogens, viruses, lymphocyte receptors, microorganisms, cancer cells, tumor immunity, immunotherapy of cancer

Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg Founder and International Director, Kids Kicking Cancer | Southfield, Michigan

• Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics; Wayne State School of Medicine

• First Degree Black Belt, Choi Kwang Do • Featured in 2012 People Magazine “Heroes Among Us” • Named “Top Ten CNN Hero” in 2014

Praise for Those on the Front Lines of Cancer CANCER. Uncertainty leads to despair. Then a flicker of hope. Maybe I can find meaning. A person to nurture me. Someone to understand. Can I still be me? Who can help? I’m so alone. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer provides inspiration and hope. Healing and touch. A spiritual guide for those who look for direction. You will not be alone when you embrace the good in people. This is the true meaning of “front lines”; helping both those in need as well as the caregivers. Smiling and crying, together. Then there is hope.

– Howard R. Terebelo, DO, FACP | Fellowship Director Hematology/Oncology - Providence Cancer Institute

Keith Famie has created an inspiring documentary that puts faces to the word cancer while informing the public of the multi-dimensional opportunities of support and hope. His beautiful work puts a lens on the cellular aberrations that comprise this killer disease while showing the great strides made in the medical world. Most importantly, Keith highlights the great heroic response of the individuals and families who create a resilience based upon hope, love and faith. His masterful work is ultimately a tribute to the human condition.

- Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg | Founder & Global Director – Kids Kicking Cancer

Cancer does not discriminate; it doesn’t know the color of your skin, your religion, your wealth, or who you are as a person. This film by Keith Famie is so important to bring to light to all aspects of the cancer patient and their journey. I’m so proud to have been a small part of this work. I hope these brave men and women can provide inspiration to the viewers as they do for me every day.

- Eric A. Brown, MO, FACS | Assistant Professor of Surgery – Oakland University William Beaumont

The very word cancer is one of shock, worry, distress and even grief. But so much hope can come out of the stunned silence. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer is a film full of so much strength, caring and understanding to patients and their families. With grace and dignity, Those on the Front Lines of Cancer helps to inspire us, showing rising through the pain to a world where we can have comfort and optimism again. We can find ways to keep moving forward through crying, laughing, loving and smiling. Thank you for sharing the stories of those on this journey, with their unique and brave beauty and delicate resilience.

- Carolyn Striho | Detroit Musician, Singer/Songwriter, Performer, Writer & Educator

Those on the Front Lines of Cancer is a transparent and raw look at the path cancer places on us. The complexities of cancer requires wrap-around services and cutting edge science. It also requires compassion. Keith Famie brings warmth and understanding in this important film.

- Laura Varon Brown | Executive Director & CEO – Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit Most people have had their lives touched in some way by cancer. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer educates and inspires the audience. It gives hope to those who many have placed a stigma on cancer as a death sentence. This film should be shared far and wide to give people who are on all sides of this disease the direction and comfort they deserve.

- Billy Whitehouse | Director – Royal Starr Art Institute

Keith Famie’s documentary is an innovative look at an age-old disease. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer opens our eyes to a fresh cancer landscape, one filled with new ideas and hope for the future. It’s so important to shed light on issues like financial toxicity, as well as the success of patients like our son, whose treatment protocol for glioblastoma is breaking the rules and beating the odds. This is the kind of energy and encouragement needed to empower doctors to pursue new paths and creative solutions, as well as fueling patients to better advocate for themselves in the process.

- Gina Kell Spehn | Co-Founder – New Day Foundation for Families

After nearly 30 years of working in and around television, I believe the true test of the power of the medium is when a program can stay with you – making you think and reflect for days, even weeks, after having watched it. Those rare programs are true experiences for the viewer. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer falls into that rare category. Cancer has affected all of our families, but the only way to truly understand this disease and its impact on our society is to experience this documentary. The more it is accessible to viewers, the more necessary understanding we’ll have in this country.

- Matt Friedman | Co-Founder, Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications

Those on the Front Lines of Cancer takes a real-life look at the impact cancer has on so many in our society today. Producer Keith Famie created this documentary in a story-telling format, sharing real life journeys of patients, doctors and their support networks in the community. This must-see educational program confronts an illness in a way that allows one to put away personal fears to better understand a complex disease.

- George Miller | Executive Director – The Rainbow Connection I am a 12 year survivor of pancreatic cancer and dedicated to raising awareness of this daunting disease. The researchers are making progress and soon there will be a breakthrough. It was most important that pancreatic cancer was included in this incredible and informative documentary, Those on the Front Lines of Cancer.

- Sheila Sky Kasselman | Founder – Sky Foundation, Inc.

I believe that this documentary is important for all those to see because cancer is often glamorized and people who do not see it regularly do not see the truth behind this horrible disease. Those who have not seen it or experience it first-hand don’t know how demanding the diagnosis is – I didn’t until it happened to me. The knowledge that can be gained from Those on the Front Lines of Cancer is astronomical and it can be a reason that others lend a hand I the support of fighting this disease both mentally and physically.

- Megan Ritz | Medullablastoma Cancer Patient

I urge every person who has OR has not personally dealt with some form of cancer to watch this amazing film. It provides an astonishing amount of information in a very “easy to understand” and gentle way. Cancer is an equal opportunity disease and no one is immune – including me! Don’t miss the opportunity to watch and learn from Those on the Front Lines of Cancer.

- Sue Marx | Academy Award Winning Producer; Founder – Urban Communications Group

This incredible film shines an honest light on the stories of individuals and families impacted by cancer. With perspectives from survivors, families, caregivers and medical professionals, it gives the viewer a 360 degree view of the incredible bravery and commitment that so many are devoting to fight this horrible disease.

- Nicole R. Christians, CFP, CRPC | Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor – Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Keith Famie has produced a very impressive documentary which encompasses all aspects of the topic of cancer – causes, treatments, patient stories and the impact on their lives, the healthcare providers and community organizations that help patients and their families through difficult times. Anyone who watches Those on the Front Lines of Cancer will be moved by its powerful message and left with both tears in their eyes and a smile on their face. A truly great piece of journalism and filmmaking which will educate and help anyone impacted directly or indirectly by cancer.

- Jeffrey W. Taub, MD | Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Chief of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan

Keith Famie masterfully combines emotional storytelling with facts about the various types of cancers, treatments available and financial obstacles families often face. His film is a must-see for anyone who has been touched my this dreadful disease.

- JoAnne Purtan | Morning host at WOMC-FM radio

Cancer is something I feel we all fear, and it is also something that we all experience in our lives one way or another. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer tells the story of what so many friends and family members have experienced, gained, and also lost on their journey. This film, directed by Keith Famie, is a brilliant look into how cancer has changed our world and also tells the more meaningful message – that no one fights cancer alone.

- Andrew McNeil | Firefighter/EMT Rescue

Those on the Front Lines of Cancer offers an intimate perspective of cancer by illustrating the journey ad experiences that become your reality once you are diagnosed with cancer. Keith does an outstanding job addressing cancer from multiple angles; from the financial toxicity to the taboo use of marijuana. Cancer evokes fear, fear of the unknown. This film helps to bring light to some of the unknown. The film highlights people quite literally on the front lines, who are working daily to combat cancer. From physicians and pathologists, to researchers and organizations, it is inspiring to learn of real people working on real projects; all with the common goal of putting an end to this awful disease.

- Carolyn Zichichi | Breast cancer survivor

Award-winning documentarian Keith Famie is known for addressing difficult topics from Alzheimer’s to suicide. Those on the Front Lines of Cancer is no exception. As with many of Famie’s documentaries, this film addresses not only the importance of education and awareness but also the necessary mindfulness of hope and how our lifestyle choices may play an important role in avoidance. It takes a unique combination of empathy and grit to explore these painful issues. Thankfully, Famie is up to the challenge, focusing his lens on a pervasive disease that touches us all.

- Diane Decillis | Award-Winning Author of Strings Attached

Almost2millionpeoplewillbenewlydiagnosedwithcancerthisyear,andalmost607,000peoplewilldiefromthedisease,accordingtostatisticsfromtheAmericanCancerSociety.

LocalproduceranddirectorKeithFamiewantedtoknowwhatMichiganoncologists,aswellasoncologicalcliniciansandresearchersfromacrossthecountry,aredoingtocombatadiseasethatinstantlybringsupheavaltoaperson’slifeandthelivesoftheirlovedones.

“Cancerisfrightening,”hesaid.“It’sthisbeastwiththeabilitytomorphitself.Itmakesitsodifficultforoncologists(totreat)becauseithastheabilitytochangeitself.”

Famie,withthecooperationofapproximately100people,includingJewishdoctors,patientsandleadersofcancer-focusedserviceorganizationsfromMetroDetroit,willreleasethethree-hourdocumentary,ThoseontheFrontLinesofCancer,thismonth.

ThefulldocumentarywillaironDetroitPublicTelevision/PBS,Channel56,inDetroitwiththefirsthourshowingfrom9-10p.m.Thursday,Oct.10,andtheremainingtwohoursfrom9-11p.m.Thursday,Oct.17.

Thedocumentary,producedbyFamie’sVisionalistEntertainmentProductionscompany,isbrokeninto21segmentsthatincludealookatspecificcancerslikebreastcancer,bloodcancer,prostatecancerandchildhoodcancersaswellassegmentsonprecisionmedicine,communityorganizationsthatservethosewithcancer,theissueofopioidsandmarijuanainallayingcancersymptomsandfinancialtoxicityrelatedtopayingforcancercare,amongothersubjects.

“Inhavingspenttimewithsomeofthesecancerresearchers,[I’velearnedthat]alotofushavecausedourownproblemsandnowwe’repayingtheprice,”Famiesaid.“Howdowegetbacktosomeofthebasics?Howdoweavoidcancer?Whatcanwedofromalifestylestandpointtostackthedecksinourfavor?

“Iwantedtoaddressalotofcomplexissuesbuttogivepeoplepracticaladvice,”hesaid.Famieandhisproductioncrewspenttwoyearsmakingthedocumentaryandjustrecentlyfinishedfilming.

FamiepreviouslyproducedadocumentaryaboutAlzheimer’sdiseaseanddementia,andthoseonthefrontlinesofbattlingthosediseases,amongotherhealth-relateddocumentaries.

“Iaskedmyself,whatarethediseasesthattakeyououtofthegameoflife?IlostmyfathertoAlzheimer’s,”Famiesaid.“Thenaturalonetogravitateto[next]iscancer.”

FamieinterviewedoncologistsandcancerresearchersfromtheUniversityofMichigan,Children’sHospitalofMichiganinDetroit,HenryFordHealthSystem,BeaumontHealth,AscensionProvidenceHospitalandtheBarbaraAnnKarmanosCancerInstitute,inadditiontoexpertsfromhospitalsandhealthorganizationacrossthecountry.

Heandhiscrewsalsofilmedabout25peoplewhohaveexperiencedcancerthemselvesandsharetheirstories.

SheilaSkyKasselman,headoftheSkyFoundation,whichraisesmoneyforpancreaticcancerawarenessandresearch,isoneofthefilm’sproducersandstars.Kasselmanwasdiagnosedwithpancreaticcancerin2007,andsaidsheneverexpectedtobepartofsuchaproject.

“FewofuswithpancreaticcancerliveforalongtimeandI’ma12-yearsurvivor,”shesaid.“IhadwhatisknownasWhipplesurgery(anoperationtoremovetheheadofthepancreas,thefirstpartofthesmallintestine,thegallbladderandthebileduct).Isurvivedit,butitleavesamark.I’m79yearsoldandIdoeverything.I’mverybusy.”

Kasselmansaidit’sherhopethatbysupportingthefilm,aswellasappearinginitasacancersurvivor,itwilleducatepeopleabouttough-to-treatpancreaticcancer.

“Iwassopleasedandhappythatwewouldhavepancreaticcanceraspartofthefilm,”shesaid.“Itwillbringawarenessofthediseaseand,hopefully,itwillbringhope.”

KidsKickingCancer,aglobalorganizationfoundedbyRabbiElimelechGoldberg,alsoknownasRabbiG,isalsofeaturedinFamie’sdocumentary.GoldbergisalsoaclinicalassistantprofessorintheDepartmentofPediatricsatWayneStateUniversitySchoolofMedicineinDetroit.TheSouthfield-basedorganizationhelpschildrencopewiththepainandfearoftheircancerdiagnosesthroughmeditationandmartialartsmoves.

“It’simportantforpeopletounderstandthatcancerisaverytreatabledisease,”saidRabbiG,wholostayoungdaughtertocancer.“Thepowerofthemindtranscendspainandfearandangerassociatedwiththediagnosisofcancer.Welearnwedon’thavetobedefinedbythedisease.”

RabbiGsaidthechildrenwhotookpartinthefilmingwerethrilledtobepartoftheproject.

“Wealwaystellthechildrentheyareteachingtheworld,”hesaid.“Whenpeoplefilmthechildren,itjustre-emphasizestheyareteachingtheworld.Theyarepowerfulmartialartsteachers.”

Famiehopesthatpeopletakefromthedocumentaryasenseofempowermentabouttheirownhealthandthebelieftheycantakeproactivemeasurestothwartacancerdiagnosis.

“Stayingontopofmaintenanceofyourbodyisimportant,”Famiesaid.“Howweliveourlifetodaydetermineshowwelivetomorrow.Youreallyhavetobeyourownadvocate.”Inhearingotherpeople’sstoriesabouttheirexperiencewithcancer,Famiebelievesthefilmwillhaveadeepemotionalresonancewithhisaudiences.

“Myapproachhasalwaysbeentounderstandthestoryofthejourneythatsomeoneison,”he

said.“Nothingismorerewardingthansomeonesaying,‘This(documentary)helpedmegoseethedoctor.It’staughtmetobemoreproactiveabouthowtolivelife.’”

TolearnmoreaboutThoseontheFrontLinesofCancer,visitontodaysfrontline.com/cancer.

“Those on the Front Lines of Cancer,”

a new three-hour documentary

produced and directed by Keith Famie

for Detroit Public Television/PBS, will

premier Oct. 2 at the Emagine Theater

in Royal Oak with a special showing for

community leaders.

The premier of the film, produced by

Famie’s Visionalist Entertainment

Productions in Wixom, will feature an

80-minute cut from the upcoming

debut broadcast. The film will be hosted on PBS by JoAnne Purtan, morning host at WOMC-FM

radio and a longtime Detroit television reporter and anchor.

“Cancer affects all of us in one way or another,” says Purtan. “I watched both my mom and mother-

in-law battle ovarian cancer for years, and currently have friends facing their own cancer journey.

This film provides hope, hope for new treatments on the horizon and hope for alleviating the

financial toxicity that often accompanies a diagnosis. What an honor it is to work with Keith Famie

and to be a part of such an important project.”

Nearly two years in the making, the documentary features heartfelt stories and several well-known

medical professionals, both local and national. Working in the trenches with these professionals,

Famie explores the latest medical advances as well as body, mind, and spirit approaches and how

lifestyle changes and disciplines can affect what may otherwise be a genetic roll of the dice.

“Cancer – this word evokes fear into anyone who hears a doctor use it in the context of a checkup,”

says Famie. “I truly wanted to explore where we are with treatments and research as well as

better understand how lifestyle can impact our long-term health to possibly avoid a cancer

diagnosis. Most importantly, I wanted to give a voice to those on a cancer journey – enabling

these unsung heroes of the film to teach us about strength, courage, faith, and the drive to

overcome this devastating disease.”

In addition to leading medical professionals, Famie and his team worked with many local

organizations including Sky Foundation, Artichoke Garlic Foundation, Gilda’s Club, Heart to Heart

Hospice, Kids Kicking Cancer, Kids Without Cancer, Mission of Hope Cancer Fund, New Day

Foundation for Families, Rainbow Connection, The Pink Fund, Wrapped in Love, and Wish Upon a

Teen.

“Those on the Front Lines of Cancer” can be seen on Channel 56 in Detroit on Oct. 10 and Oct.

17. The first hour will air on Oct. 10 9-10 p.m. and the final two hours on Oct. 17 from 9- 11 p.m.

“There can be no better use of our documentary programming, than to explain and explore the

latest work being done on the front lines of cancer and other diseases,” says Fred Nahhat, senior

vice president of programming at Detroit Public Television/PBS. “Keith has the unique ability to

document the latest in science while telling personal stories of patients and families, finding spirit

amid the struggle and challenges of life- changing events.”

The film was funded by many community leaders, as well as executive producers Jack and Annette

Aronson, John and Carol Kulhavi, Warren and Carol Anne Rose, Anthony and Mary Schimizzi, and

the Sky Foundation.

To learn more about the production, visit here. To purchase $10 tickets for the Oct. 2 premier,

visit here.

Keith Famie of Novi will be premiering his new documentary “Those on the Front Lines of Cancer" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the Emagine Theater, 200 N. Main St., Royal Oak. The event will be emceed by Famie, the director and producer, and media personality and WOMC morning radio host JoAnne Purtan. The special 90-minute cut from the three-hour film features heartfelt stories and several locally and nationally well-known medical professionals. To purchase tickets for $10, visit bit.ly/thoseonfrontlinesofcancer. Part one of the documentary will air from 9 to 10 p.m. Oct. 10 and the final two hours from 9 to 11 p.m. Oct. 17 on Detroit Public Television/PBS, Channel 56 in Detroit. For more information, email Kara Malack at kmalackvep@gmail.com or visit ontodaysfrontlines.com/cancer or facebook.com/thoseonthefrontlinesofcancer

DETROIT (WXYZ) — Belle Isle's air was filled with color today as the 3rd annual Detroit Kite Festival brought kite performers, professional kite flyers and local families together.

The Detroit Institute of Arts was there to teach kite building and a very special group of people were there to decorate their own flying work of art.

The PBS documentary "Those on the Front Lines of Cancer" used the kite festival as a backdrop to shoot the final shot of their film. Producers invited the families they had interviewed for the documentary to be a part of it.

The Redmon Family brought their five kids to Belle Isle, 4-year-old Pryce is their youngest. He has stage 4 neuroblastoma.

"We came out here to decorate kites and stuff for Pryce," says dad Ben Redmon.

On this clear blue-skied day, there was just enough wind to lift kites and spirits up. The beauty in the sky, a welcome reprieve from the battle some face on the ground.

"Talking, sometimes is a little hard for me," says Stanley Wallace. He had cancer in his jaw. His granddaughter was diagnosed three months after he was – the two fought cancer at the same time.

"Yeah, we’re known as partners in crime," says 12-year-old Haley Wallace. She was only 8 years old when she was diagnosed with cancer in her eye.

Four years later, Haley is cancer free. She won her battle and today she decorated and flew a kite to remember those who fought beside her. "I wrote names of those who helped me and my four friends who passed away because of cancer," says Haley.

These families and many others flying kites today will be featured in a documentary "Those on the Front Lines of Cancer" it will air on PBS in October 2019.

Sunshine, blue water and blue skies provided the backdrop for the recent filming of Novi resident Keith Famie's PBS film documentary “Those on the Front Lines of Cancer” at Belle Isle in Detroit. The filming took place at the Detroit Kite Festival's “Cancer, Go Fly a Kite!” More than 70 attendees decorated kites to honor their loved ones who lost their battle with cancer or those currently on their cancer journey. Film host JoAnne Purtan was on hand to film her closing to the documentary as well as fly a kite in honor of her mother and mother-in-law. Television personality and Kids Kicking Cancer volunteer Lila Lazarus flew a kite in memory of Jamiah Williams, a young lady who appeared in the film who lost her battle with cancer. Many people from cancer support organizations attended. The Visionalist Entertainment Productions team had stationary cameras and aerial drones to capture the memorable moments that will roll with the credits at the end of the film to the song from the Canadian Tenors “Lean on Me.”

Keith Famie, 59, is the executive director and producer of Wixom-based Visionalist Entertainment Productions and has won 11 Michigan Emmy Awards for his films. He and his team have been working on the film for more than a year and are in the final-production stages, having completed about 100 interviews locally and throughout the country. “I wanted the film to end with some level of inspiration and hope and community,” Famie said. "It’s a film that takes us through a lot of medical information, a lot of personal lives. At times it’s going to be uncomfortable to watch just because of what people are going through, but at the end of the day, I want it to show that there’s hope and inspiration within a community.”

The film gives the viewer an inside perspective of what it’s like for the patients, their families, their doctors, oncologists, researchers and surgeons. Doctors share what their cutting-edge research and experience has revealed, what is being learned about disease-modifying treatments and how researching patients’ genetics may change the way they approach cancer. Two of the children who were featured in the film have since passed away. “This kind of stuff really brings it home, when somebody you’re going to see in the film, at the end of the film, you’re going to see their family flying a kite, because they did not make it,” Famie said. The film will premiere on Oct. 2 at the Emagine Theatre, 200 N Main St, Royal Oak. Tickets are not available yet, but will be through Eventbrite.com. The film will air on DPTV/ PBS in late October. For more information about the film "Those on the Front lines of Cancer' and to view a trailer, visit http://ontodaysfrontlines.com/cancer.

(FOX 2) - "Go fly a kite, couldn't be better, it's like when you tell somebody you don't like you know, so go fly a kite," Carol Jackson said. It's a powerful message for a powerful and sometimes deadly disease. “Cancer, go fly a kite, it’s alike get away, go send it up to heaven and all will be okay,” said Emily

Grombala, sixteen year old Emily sending that bold message to brain cancer with her kite. "It's a cool concept to do because it's like you are giving that pain and suffering up to God," she said. Wixom based Producer Keith Famie decided to gather cancer survivors and patients, so he could use the art of flying a kite to empower people touched by this disease. On Sunday Famie, his production crew and a drone were spotted on Belle Isle getting footage of patients and survivors flying their kites as they looked up to blue sky. "How do you end this film? Really significantly so why not tell cancer go fly a kite," Famie said. Famie has been traveling all across the U-S to collect material for his upcoming TV production called "Those on the Front Lines of Cancer."

"The film will air on Detroit Public TV in probably the middle of October, It's a 2-hour special then eventually move through the state of Michigan then through the country," he said. Famie who says he had his own cancer scare... But received a clean bill of health from his medical team knows the importance of standing strong, and he hopes this documentary will allow stories of hope and survival to empower others who are fighting this disease. "Those who are on a cancer journey that shared their story and all those out there their really the unsung hero they are the ones that are really on the front lines," Famie said.

Keith Famie, 59, of Novi, is the executive director and producer of Wixom-based Visionalist Entertainment Productions. He began documentary film-making for PBS in 2004 and, since then, has won 11 Michigan Emmy Awards for his films. After his “Embrace of Aging and Dying” series that began in 2013 and his “On the Frontlines of Alzheimer’s and Dementia” film last year, he said he wanted to "focus on the disease that can take us out of the game and learn what can we do to stack the deck in our favor.” He and his team have been working on a two-hour PBS film documentary “Those on the Front Lines of Cancer” for the past year and are in the final-production stages. Despite advances in medicine, treatment and therapies, cancer still kills around 600,000 Americans each year and affects people of all ages. “Cancer is a huge subject; there isn’t anybody who hasn’t been touched by it or knows somebody who has,” Famie said. “I’ve lost my friends to cancer, and I’ve had my own personal scares.” Famie has conducted almost 100 interviews over the past eight months for the film. These include oncologists, researchers and surgeons who share what their cutting-edge research and experience has revealed, what is being learned about disease-modifying treatments and how researching patients’ genetics may change the way we approach cancer. He interviewed doctors and researchers at the VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Royal Oak Beaumont, Henry Ford Health Care System, Ascension Providence Hospital, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Moffit Cancer Center and Boca Raton Regional Hospital-Florida and the University of California-Berkley.

The documentary steps into the lives of those who have been diagnosed with cancer to learn how the journey affects them and their families and discover how complicated, emotionally draining and terrifying it can be to receive a cancer diagnosis. Some of the subjects explored include diagnosis and prevention, environmental toxins, pain management, financial toxicity, lifestyle factors, advocacy and etiquette. The cancers mentioned include brain, breast, colon, leukemia, lung, pancreatic, prostate and skin. “Probably the most important part of this film is we really give a voice to those who are facing cancer head-on currently or have lost somebody to cancer. Those are the real heroes of the film,” Famie said. “We have extensive knowledge and understanding and now it’s really how do we apply it. How do we stack the deck in our favor to avoid a cancer incident?" To watch the trailer for "Those on the Front lines of Cancer," visit vimeo.com/286589086#at=0. For more information, visit ontodaysfrontlines.com/cancer.