For those of you who are curious as to why yours truly is in a wheelchair, well the answer is simple. I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy which is listed as a disorder that falls under the category of Muscular Dystrophy. So basically I need the wheels to be able to get around and I need assistance doing things.
What does this have to do with TV you ask? Well that to is simple. Because it falls under the category of Muscular Dystrophy, I have been part of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon for 24 years. And for those of you curious of the math, that means I’ve been on TV and behind the scenes since the age of 4. My early years had me in front of the camera which lead to a curiosity of what went on behind the scenes. This lead me to furthering my knowledge of Television Production from Junior High School all the way through to my degree from Brooklyn College.
I’ve been lucky enough to have been a part of the production team for the Telethon since graduating High School. I started out as an Audience Coordinator/Production Assistant and have been lucky enough to be a Producer/Director for the last four years. I now have an award from MDA for Broadcast Journalism because the pieces I put together are upbeat and share the lives of individuals with Muscular Dystrophy in a positive light instead of the typical pity party they normally air. After all just cause you happen to have a disability, it doesn’t mean your life is over.
So, you never know where inspiration for what you might be talented in doing in life will come from. And you can check out my work in the Highlight Reel area, maybe it’ll inspire you in some way.