Journey of Hope

UPDATE!!

2006-09-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone that has supported this project. I am still in NYC and will be leaving for Los Angeles shortly. Rachel is job searching and doing really really well. I wish I could speak for Jason and Bell but I am assuming they are frolicking happily around the city right this minute.

I have since collaborated with a few amazing people here in the city and have really moved forward with giving the footage the platform and professionalism it deserves.

Lisa M. Jones has signed on to edit the film with me. She and I should have it wrapped on or around Oct 1st.

www.lisamjones-edit.com

I have ambitions of showing the film in a theatre in Port Huron, MI over Christmas. This would be great for family, friends, and anyone inspired to gather and enjoy this experience.

During editing I can't help but think of all the amazing women we met. There is no question that I am a better person for knowing them...

peace out

paul

Port Huron Times Herald Article

2006-08-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

DOCUMENTARY TRAILER

2006-08-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2006-07-21T07:54:00.000-07:00

This project is inspired by and honors the memory of Lisa Harris. Lisa Harris was the mother of my girlfriend of eight years, Rachel Harris. On Monday, May 15, 2006; Lisa Harris, at the age of 52, lost her 3 year battle with breast cancer. It was due to her valiant and graceful fight that this I became moved to get involved.

Initially I wanted to go across the country to meet breast cancer survivors, hear their stories and take their pictures to encourage Lisa in her battle for life. Then, upon my arrival in California, I would compose a scrapbook of the journey and send it to her in hopes of providing encouragement and strength in her fight against breast cancer. However her condition quickly became terminal and she lost her battle with breast cancer. I suddenly felt the need to expand the vision, and reach out to survivors across the country in an effort to give a voice to these remarkable individuals. The road trip became a way to reach out to those who are in the midst of their fight and to document the successes of those who are winning the battle. This project is all about HOPE!!! The hope to keep fighting and keep surviving. The hope for one more day with the people they love. They hope to provide awareness to those that may not yet be affected.

I plan to intertwine travel, spirit, and art to raise awareness and allow these inspiring individuals to reach out and empower those still fighting.

This is a journey from New York City, across the country to California. The team will be Rachel Harris (Lisa's daughter); my good friend Jason Stamm, a very talented cinematographer; and Bell Soto, a friend and well-known published photographer with the amazing ability to capture the beauty in every moment.

We will meet with 25 to 35 survivors organized by the American Breast Cancer Foundation while carrying through with a casual interview, incorporating both videotape and still photographs as we speak to them on a "Paul" unintrusive level. Our journey will begin on June 12th, 2006 and will be completed on July 4th, 2006. The vision of these meetings is to meet each woman in their own home and to capture each woman in their natural setting while hearing their stories.

I have purchased a polaroid camera that I will use to take some very raw, yet soft, pictures of the survivors we meet. Also, Bell Soto (photographer) will be taking professional high resolution photos capturing the heart and soul of each woman. Jason Stamm (cinematographer) will be capturing the entire experience, including both the interviews and travels on video.

* Thank You to The American Breast Cancer Foundation ABCF.ORG
* Thank You to Steve Pinetti and The Kimpton Group KIMPTONHOTELS.COM

A Journey to Remember

2006-07-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Momma,

We made it! July 2nd we reached our final destination in San Francisco, CA and all four of us reflected on our 3 weeks together. I have felt the overwhelming sense of having you right by my side - I get flashbacks every minute and always will, but I love that. We feel you momma, and you will always be my inspiration for everything in life. I have learned so much from these three boys that I know you are smiling down on us with all of your own laughter and tears. I have two new best friends and also a new appreciation for Paul, always and forever. I love you.

The Final Insight

2006-07-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

The last interview of the trip. Jay's mom talked to us about her experience with breast cancer.

Helen livin it up

2006-07-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

Helen played her yukalalee for us in San Fran. On her way out to church she was in "patriotic spirit" while explaining to us that life is too precious to not enjoy to the fullest degree. She had just returned from a solo trip to New York City where she took numerous pictures with strangers that she had met on the street. Life is about meeting new people.

bell's prodigy

2006-07-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

on the streets of downtown San Francisco

mentos...

2006-07-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

jay and his mom

2006-07-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

July 2nd 2006

jason's view

2006-07-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

a look into Jay's world during each interview

happy hour

2006-07-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

"Can't a girl get a cocktail around here"

AHOY!

2006-07-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

a breath of fresh air as we coasted along the PCH of California - absolutely amazing

2006-07-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

SURVIVORS!!

2006-07-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

Each woman we interviewed will forever be an inspiration to this world.

To you special women: thank you for sharing in your devotion to fight this horrible disease. Your spirits made us smile and laugh, but most importantly it made us understand the severity of life. You have taught us about strength and love. Love those around you... family, friends, and those that come into your life unexpectedly. Your beauty will continue to amaze us all... xo Rachel

san fran

2006-07-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

5,000 MILES & WE FINALLY CROSSED THE GOLDEN GATE!

A piece of Paul's fam

2006-07-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

The Pinettis in San Fran!! We were lucky enough to meet Paul's extended family and peek into their new apartment near Pier 39.

The PLAINS

2006-07-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

surreal at times...

illinois sunset

2006-07-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

Seen along the trip were some of the most beautiful sunsets... in states that you would never imagine to appear breathtaking.

WHOO HOO!!

2006-07-13T17:40:00.000-07:00

Jason's fam showed us a great time! Patricia (jay's mom) made us an amazing dinner after our last interview with Carol... Jason's sister Jenna almost brought out her singing skills after dinner and it was great to see the love between her and her big bro.
THANK YOU FOR THE FREE FOOD AND DRINK!!!!

Boulder, CO

2006-07-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

Wiss and Todd showed us the ropes of CO after our interviews - good times with you both, thank you! xo

CALIFORNIA!!!

2006-07-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

We fought the heat of Arizona to finally make it to the coast. When we hit Laguna Beach the feelings of a successful coast to coast trip really set in. California was very very euphoric.

2006-07-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

ON LOCATION: Marin, California

uPs & DoWnS

2006-07-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

"This is dangerous to our health" - Rachel's quote to Paul in the 120 degree, no airconditioning, situation in the car.
(hence the road map to shield)

OUT WEST

2006-07-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

6/27/06

Stayed the night in Albuquerque, NM and woke up the next morning in hopes of reaching Scottsdale, AZ.
Stopped for 20 mins in a really cool town of Gallup (known for native american jewelry) and then continued to drive until reaching AZ 8 hours later. All were relieved to get out of the car in 120 degree temps.

The Unknown

2006-07-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

in our own world wondering where it is we are

CALIFORNIA!!!

2006-07-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

WE MADE IT!!!

The DESERT WAS HORRIBLE!!! it was 115 degrees going through arizona and western california (Blyth, CA). Rachel hated me for 6 hours, and Jason pretended to be in a cooler surrounded by cherry flavored popsicles. I on the other hand acted like a complete idiot and attempted to keep morale up. NOT A CHANCE!

Thank you to Uncle Mike in Phoenix for having us over for food and drink. That was a great night. The sunset in Phoenix was mystical and really surreal to see the shadows against the cactus.

Also, the interview we had in Mesa, AZ was great. She gave us humor to carry us through the day of traveling in a hairdryer. She also shared the home state of MI.

Its mornin time on saturday in San Fran and we have an interview in 1 hour. Still droggy and dizzy from the PCH all the way up the coast.

We picked up Bell on Friday night from LAX after hanging out at Laguna beach all day and catching the sunset in Hermosa Beach. Made it to Santa Monica that night and picked a horrible hotel where there were scents and stains where there shouldn't be. Therefore, i tried to get my money back and that was not a possibility unitl we talked money and gave the front desk guy a bribe. SOOOOO..... slept next to the santa monica pier in a 2 star as opposed to a -2.

Woke up yesterday morning to hit the Pacific Coast Highway and was completely blown away! The day was beautiful and the sunburn on my forehead is proof of a perfect day. We turned a 7 hour drive into a 12 hour drive just by stopping and going slow around every turn. There is a new creative energy now that Bell is back... For a minute everyone forgot what it was like to wake up with a camera in your face! " genius.. genius... don't move"

Arrived to San Fran at about 11 last night and felt a feeling of accomplishment. Rachel has yet to see the Golden Gate but once she finally gets outta the shower it shouldn't be long. Coast to coast was actually pretty easy when you have the right group of people to keep you company.

Thank you Lisa for the inspiration to make it.

This is a poor attempt to update but but I will do better once I have pics and energy.

damn

2006-06-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

What do you do when the girl you love is crying?

Sittin here tryin to make things seem better and add humor... doing all i know.

Thank you for the comments and checking out the blog up to this point. We are now in Scottsdale, AZ and once again I have to thank my uncle Steve... THANK YOU! the hotel is great and the scenic drive through the mountains was amazing!! We have interviews tomorrow and then off to campin outside the grand canyon.

Yesterday we met with a woman in Denver, CO by the name of Anita. She was the type of energy that when you leave her you cannot wait to talk about how special she was. She touched Rachel in a way that I have yet to see. Her energy carried me for about at least half of the trip to Sante Fe, NM and I hope it stays with me forever.

2 weeks and still haven't done laundry... COMMANDO!!!

paul

BARBARA MEETS LISA

2006-06-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

So Beautiful

2006-06-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

INA and LESTER

2006-06-25T23:16:00.000-07:00

Peeps in Virginia

2006-06-25T23:14:00.000-07:00

SHE UNDERSTANDS

2006-06-25T23:12:00.000-07:00

PATTI

2006-06-25T23:09:00.000-07:00

LIVIN!!!

2006-06-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

AGREE TO DISAGREE

2006-06-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

"PAUL TALK"

2006-06-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

HERE TO LISTEN

2006-06-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

GYPSY WIND

2006-06-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

LISA'S TOUCH

2006-06-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

SERENTITY

2006-06-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

We all have our days...

2006-06-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

FREE FALLIN

2006-06-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

MISSOURI to KANSAS to COLORADO

2006-06-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

SURVIVORS!!

2006-06-25T21:49:00.001-07:00

I LOVE U

2006-06-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

This is your tribute momma -- a trip across the country with three very special people in hopes of inspiring those women that will face a similiar battle in life.

Paul, Jason, Bell and I think of you every second of the day and feel you with us each step of the way.

I love you
xo

CHI-TOWN!!

2006-06-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

CAMERA ACTION!

2006-06-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

FILMING

2006-06-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Lisa

2006-06-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

INSPIRATION

Delaware & Maryland

2006-06-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

Chillin at the Baltimore Pier...

CREW

2006-06-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

Paul Preiss-Producer/Drill Sergeant

Rachel Harris-Inspiration/Godfather

Jason Stamm-Cinematographer/philosopher/devils advocate

Bell Soto-Photographer/FLAVA!

Washington DC

2006-06-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hotel Rouge -- Paul's Uncle Steve was nice enough to allow us to stay at his amaaaaaaaaaazing hotel in Dupont Circle... quite a change from our usual nights stay. We traveled to Virginia in 100 degree temps to visit Patti, who is an extremely inspirational survivor.

http://www.kimptonhotels.com

Brenda's Interview

2006-06-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

American Breast Cancer Foundation... crab dinner!!!

2006-06-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

HTTP://WWW.ABCF.ORG

Jack the wanderer

2006-06-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

They said the 1990 volvo wagon wouldn't make it... well, 1700 miles with no air conditioning and we are still on the road.

SURVIVORS!!

2006-06-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

SURVIVORS!!

2006-06-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

The American Breast Cancer Foundation

2006-06-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

This is in Baltimore where we had Maryland crabs with the wonderful women at the American Breast Cancer Foundation...

THANK YOU to the American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF) for their partnership in this project. ABCF assisted with the planned route and itinerary, interviews with volunteer breast cancer survivors, and funding of this project.

Through ABCF, newly diagnosed breast cancer patients will receive the documentary born of this project. The film will be included in newly diagnosed care packages along with a scrapbook of this journey.

ABCF provides grants to eligible individuals for assistance with breast cancer screening tests such as: mammogram screening, biopsy assistance, and in some cases emergency treatment. All of the staff who share the vision and support the mission of ABCF believe every life threatened by breast cancer deserves a fighting chance.

If you need assistance with any of the services ABCF provides, would like to learn about the THREE KEYS TO EARLY DETECTION, or if you would like to make a donation to support ABCF's mission please call:

1-877-539-2543

WWW.ABCF.ORG

UH OH!!

2006-06-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Stuck outside baltimore with car troubles.

Chillin in a salon listening to paula abdul and blowdryers.

The car should be fixed any minute and then we are off to Baltimore to meet the women of ABCF.

We have met with some amazing women and families so far! Made new friends and captured some great footage and portraits. Bell is learning the concept of Americana!!!

HELP!!!!

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2006-06-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

This project is inspired and honors the memory of Lisa Harris. Lisa Harris was the mother of my girlfriend of eight years, Rachel Harris. On Monday, May 15, 2006; Lisa Harris, at the age of 52, lost her 3 year battle with breast cancer. It was due to her valiant and graceful fight that this I became moved to get involved.

Initially, I wanted to go across the country to meet breast cancer survivors, hear their stories and take their pictures to encourage Lisa in her battle for her life. Then, upon my arrival in California, I would compose a scrapbook of the journey and send it to her to encourage her and give her strength in her fight against breast cancer. However her condition quickly became terminal; and as she lost her battle with breast cancer, I felt the need to expand the vision, and reach out to survivors across the country in an effort to give a voice to these remarkable individuals. The road trip became a way to reach out to those who are in the midst of their fight and to document the successes of those who are winning the battle. This project is all about HOPE!!! The hope to keep fighting and keep surviving and the hope for one more day with the people they love. I plan to intertwine travel, spirit, and art to raise awareness and allow these inspiring individuals to reach out and empower those still fighting.

This is a journey from New York City, across the country to California. The team will be Rachel Harris (Lisa's daughter); my good friend Jason Stamm, a very talented cinematographer; and Bell Soto, a friend and well-known published photographer with the amazing ability to capture beauty in any moment.

We will meet with 35 to 70 survivors organized by the American Breast Cancer Foundation and we will shoot film and still photos while speaking to them on a "Paul" unintrusive level. Our journey will begin on June 12th, 2006 and will be completed on July 4th, 2006. The vision of these meetings is to meet these people in their homes and capture them in natural and comfortable settings while hearing their stories.

I have purchased a polaroid camera that I will use to take some very raw, yet soft, pictures of the survivors we meet. Also, Bell Soto (photographer) will be taking professional high resolution photos capturing the heart and soul of each person and what makes each person unique. Our goal is that when this is viewed by a newly diagnosed individual, that person will be able to relate on some level to one of the survivors and derive hope from that person and their story. Jason Stamm (cinematographer) will be filming from NYC to San Francisco and comprosing a 20-40 minute documentary.

Wish us luck!