Inspiring To Aspire
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Hey everyone!
Recently travelled from Toronto Canada alllllll the way to Zakynthos, Greece to share my digital story on the big screen at the 1st annual International Digital Storytelling Festival #DSTFestival, September 27- 29 2024. The trip to was wonderful!
My story “Still Melissa” sat humbly quiet amongst the giants of dozens upon dozens of incredible soul-filling, thought provoking and game-changing stories from across the WORLD! There we about 160 stories submitted. What a feeling. I suggested to the organizers that it would be incredible to share what change these videos can do by next festival. https://dstfestival.org/
Video credit: Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, Todd Goold, Michael Lang, PhD & Melissa MacKenzie. Note: The character called “Edna” is based on true events when was a co-op student, when I discovered what my passion was xoxo
Some of my favourite moments were watching new friends Natasha reacting to her video playing on the big screen and Mani with a mic addressing the audience about his video.
Congratulations to Facilitator Mike Lang for being awarded by the organization committee for HIS personal story in the Health Category! Mike Lang: “Breath”
The cherry tomato on top of this Greek salad was the ongoing surreal feeling of having my long-time friend Ashley of 20-something years with me, sharing priceless memories and laughing while making new ones. I took a few days before and after the festival to soak up more exploring, connecting and grounding with her, and by myself.
Aside from networking and deep meaningful conversations with rule makers and breakers, it was also nice to just RELAX. Between joining a conga-line and watching plates being smashed at the beginning of the trip, to sending Ashley’s Mom a pic asking for bail money because we ‘ended up in jail’ at the end- I had an awesome time!
Expect changes to my Facebook/ Instagram posts and some website layout/ content. I’ve re-calibrated this ‘ol brain and looking to introduce some new initiatives.
Share your Tips as a Survivor, loved one, healthcare professional etc! All are organized in 5 categories (and growing!)
*THANK YOU for helping share this initiative*
Are you interested in helping me spread awareness of this initiative? Or have any questions/ comments or feedback?
Telling my BT Story & short stories of the people & opportunities that unknowingly helped me emotionally (and literally) stand back up 🙂
I hope you find something here to help you day by day.
I’ll be peppering posts on my Facebook & Instagram pages with some snack size stories, tips, and snippets from my book.
xoxo Melissa of ITA
