Jack of CT, it's time to get your facts straight. Cancer Survivors who Can is still in a start-up mode, however, NO FUNDS have been funneled for fancy film equipment or to Atlantian Films as you accuse. You need to speak to those who have benefited from this charity. Talk to the people who have never had to go to a chemo appointment alone because Cancer survivors Who Can was at their side. Talk to the people who needed some extra dollars for their medicine or even needed food, gas or toiletries; Cancer Survivors Who Can was there. Talk to the people who didn’t know which way to turn when they heard the words, you have cancer", Cancer Survivors Who Can found the resources for them. Because Cancer Survivors Who Can is a new organization, there are admittedly some growing pains. But look for some charter changes in the future. There will be more fundraisers; there will be more people who are supported. Yes, people who have wanted to leave a living testimony video of their life , they have been taught to use a camera, but only because they wanted to learn. Insofar as Brian is concerned, he is a cancer survivor himself, so perhaps he sees what others who have not experienced cancer do not. I don’t see Brian Specter profiting from anything involved with Cancer Survivors Who Can, except maybe his heart just keeps getting bigger and he wants to do more. BTW get your facts straight a film commission gave Atlantian Films 200 dollars to help their startup not Cancer Survivors Who Can. You are making up lies probably because you did not like the politics of the Farmington Valley Film Commission.Could it be you are the only one who voted against the film companies donation? Ask the president Nancy Antsey as she too has been informed of this post and is also disgusted by you childish attacks against an organization that has nothing to do with The Famington Valley Film Commissions donation to a separate film company. I say again, get your facts straight, or hit the road Jack!
I originally met Brian Spectre over 25 years ago. We became fast colleagues then parted ways. In 2012 - 2013 my wife (a stage four cancer survivor) and I lived in Hilton Head Island, SC. We received a copy of a full page interview on Cancer Survivors Who Can from my wife's mother. After reading what this organization stands for. Then realizing that it was an old colleague, Brian Spectre who was the head of this group. I immediately contacted him because, like, all other volunteers and members, I too have been, extremely, effected by the debilitating consequences of cancer. My motivation is due to not wanting anyone else to go through what we have if at at all possible.
Upon making a renewed connection with Brian, my wife and I made a decision to move back to our home state of Connecticut, largely in part to be involved with Cancer Survivors Who Can. Upon moving back to CT in November of 2013. I have worked on several film shoots. Brian and I communicate, on average, at least once a week. Even if it's to, simply, check in on how everyone is doing.
To this day, I will stand behind this organization because Brian's passion and commitment has proven to me that he's a rare breed that has been through several recurrences of Cancer. Yet, he still finds the energy to help who ever he can.
Whoever Jack of CT is that wrote such a scathing depiction of this organization, must have a deep rooted complex of some sort? Brian is living proof of someone who truly cares that people who suffer from cancer have an opportunity to have access to a creative outlet.
Over the past two years working with Brian and the other volunteers/members. I have seen what Brian does behind the scenes for people. He has continually put the needs of others before him, even though he suffers every single day with, faulty, broken titanium rods in his body. Brian (and his wife) has been nothing but selfless. He does not ask for a penny for his efforts although the organization could use funding in the truest sense. And he truly deserves it! I mean, think about it... What is someone to do with their life after multiple surgeries, multiple recurrences of cancer. The days of going back to a "normal" job and lifestyle are over.
Jack of CT, your portrayal of this organization is seriously skewed to depict us as self serving and it's all for Brian's ego? That statement, couldn't be further from the truth. I'm not seeking to lash back at you at all. However, I will stand up and say, you have made unjustified statements based on my personal experience. Brian uses his own funds to perpetuate what ever he possibly can to ensure that his vision can one day come to fruition. All the while, he does not stop in his pursuit to see this vision become reality.
Brian has gone way above and beyond to help anyone in need. He's rare in that, he listens, intently to people. He then does his best to provide a format for anyone who can utilize his assistance. To me, it's a sign of a noble gesture, worthy of support and praise.
I'd like to say again, my wife and I moved back to CT, largely to be a part of this organization. And I would move, again, across the country if I had to to support this entity and it's cause. My wife and I have have been beaten and run over several times in our experiences with chronic illness. And when it felt like no one cared or could identify with what we go through, on a daily basis. Brian Spectre was there and still is to this day.
On a closing note in response to Jack of CT's mention of Brian's, former, attorney Colleen Kerwick. I decided to take your advice and google her. I implore people to look her up. From my observation, she's a tenacious individual who also stands up for people's needs and right to live a peaceful life? In the meantime, she too has been attacked via the corrupt legal system that some try to pass off as justice.
Since Jack of CT's review in 2013 you will find this footage has been published which is a classic example of Brian's intent to help however he can (note Colleen Kerwick is in the video, laying the foundation) https://youtu.be/M-kQ-ExToC0 . You won't see Brian in the video as he filmed, edited and produced it. All gratis... And people might think this is not a worthy cause?? Just look at what some people go through. They need help! Yet there are people who don't care and actually look down their nose at people who care? This needs to change.
This group has an infectious passion for helping others! The volunteers donate their spare time and money to recruit cancer survivors and teach them how to make metaphorical films about cancer to bring hope, community and a legacy to people who have fought and/or are fighting for their lives. I have volunteered at many charitable and non-profit organizations (and been awarded for my Public Interest Lawyering, Film-making and Charitable work) and find that Maura runs CSWC first rate.