MattressFirm | Executive Producer

CANCER

This section of the site may seem like another "About Me." section. Below. I will detail a bit about myself and I will showcase showcases some of the great ads and advocacy that I have done since my diagnosis.

Back in March of 2022, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer, after I had noticed blood in the bowl for a few months. It was discovered at a Colonoscopy, which still remains the best way to detect and prevent many types of Cancer. Never did I think this would be Cancer. Never.

I went through lots of Chemo and Radiation, to eventually land with two surgeries in 2024. The first removed a piece of my colon and a piece of my rectum. This officially changed my bathroom behavior forever, but I didn't complain because I was now labeled as "No Evidence of Disease".

I had a temporary Illeostomy bag to allow my insides to heal. Months later, we had surgery to remove the illeostomy bag and right the ship. Unfortunately, my next scan showed that the disease had metastasized to other areas in my body. I was now a Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer patient.

Since getting Cancer I have worked tirelessly to become more of an advocate. I do everything I can to raise money and raise awareness about this extremely preventable disease.

Below are some of the amazing pieces of work and experiences that I've done to help push screenings and lower the numbers on this awful disease.

2023

When I found out that my company, McCann, was doing a Mastercard ad to promote their partnership with Stand Up To Cancer. I ran. to the EP of Mastercard, and begged to produce this project. I then decided that I wanted a full cast and crew, who had cancer, dealt with cancer as a caregiver, or lost someone incredibly close to them. This may seem like a big challenge, but I didn't see it that way. I tasked 5 directors with creating a one-sheet detailing what cancer meant to them. I found the incredible, amazing Kevin Jones Jr from Little Minx Productions. The McCann team was a stellar one, and it included Shayne Milliington, Ryan Barrett, Oritte _____, Emilio, George, and so many more.

Together, we made this fantastic ad together.

While making this ad, the creative team at McCann needed to figure out a social component. The team felt that the best option for social would be to feature interviews of the many people on set who are touched by Cancer. This gave our crew a chance to tell their story. Great job by Social Director Katie Henry and her amazing team.

We made separate videos for each interview, and below is a compilation edit that actually played on air during the 2024 MLB All Star Game. More details on this came to follow.