There are those few moments in life that make you re-evaluate yours. Maybe it’s cause I have a toddler just like Andy Swan that I really gravitated to his world. I don’t know Mr. Swan personally but I know that everyone around him love him very much. I was given the honors of documenting a day when Andy Swan realized how truly blessed he is.
The event surrounded a documentary of Andy Swan, produced by AREA-9 Productions, which highlighted the determination and drive that is not only helping Andy live his dream but to also battle a very serious lung cancer. The evening was filled with lots of gestures of support and kindness that bring attention to a battle that has claimed many lives. All I remembered from the evening was saying to myself ..”Wow, a lot of people love this man.”
The night started at the preparty held at Elements Cafe, right next to the Pasadena Playhouse where the documentary featured. There were lots of people pre-partying… if there is such a word. I heard their mojitos and their tacos rocked the house. Though this event was of a serious matter, lots of people and supporters were at ease with having a few drinks and making a great night of it all.
That’s Andy Swan with his lovely wife Jen. I can’t imagine what she is going through. (They too have a toddler.) The idea of being without my husband is an idea I can’t even think of – ever. Just watching Jen throughout the night made me really proud of how strong people can be for each other.
Zadrina Eissman, a producer of Area 9 Productions and a very dear friend of Andy. Actually Zadrina was the one who got me to shoot. I can’t even find the words to describe this woman’s passion for this project and her passion for her friend. Everything that would have taken two years to produce took her 8 weeks. It was not a choice to have to move that quickly, but it takes a lot of drive, commitment and love to put that much effort into a project that reflects just that … in such a timely manner. I’m sure her and her crew of a handful of angels (ie: Al Eisenmann, Lee Allport -the queen of blogs, Shari and more…) went through a lot of tribulations and emotional knots in the name of Andy Swan. The proceeds will benefit the Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA). I read somewhere that this company is a huge advocate to finding a cure for such a grueling disease. One of the experimental medications have helped Andy with his battle… a mere sign that all those prayers and good thoughts are coming into fruition. Just witnessing the amount of people that turned up, I know that my being there that evening was a small part of something super important. That makes my heart beat.
Infact, some things that night made my heart beat. First off, just being in the presence of Kim Norris, is an experience in itself. I didn’t even know who she was. I just knew that my camera loved her smile and the presence she had in the air. I wish my energy was less hyper and more Kim-like… or Kim-ish… or a little Kim-lified. She just has such an inviting spirit. Come to find out she is actually a known warrior of the lung cancer research after she lost her husband many years ago. Some people are just born leaders and dress in fabulous purple dresses.
It was a pretty big deal. There were lots of close friends and family of Andy Swan, some wanted to just be a part of it to benefit the LCFA and some wanted to rub elbows with their favorite Criminal Minds actor. Andy works in the property department of that show. Shemar Moore showed up and wowed a bunch of fans and handled the media very well. Mingle Media and ABC 7 News are lucky to have had the chance to interview Shemar… there’s something really cool about that guy… like a cool old soul. He is in the limelight cause his wisdom and influence was meant to be shared with many.
After mingling with the media and enjoying the glow of everyone’s presence, the documentary was premiered. If I was Andy Swan, I’d probably be in tears. It was a touching one. It made me realize how short life really is and what we do in this lifetime should be something we have always dreamed. 
Can you believe it?… the excecutive producer of Criminal Minds, Ed Bernero hosted this event? If I had a boss like that – I’d make a real good friend out of him. Obviously, Ed is another one of Andy’s earth angels. I can’t find a better word than ‘kind.’ That is a SUPER kind thing to do… Ed Bernero… you are a hero! How awesome are you? I bet you can’t imagine how this touches the Swan family. I know I wouldn’t be able to express enough gratitude for such acts of kindness.
There’s Shemar Moore, sharing a letter with Andy, jerking tears from the crowd.
That’s the ever funny Criminal Minds cast member, Kirsten Vangsness, who had to rush to catch this event after a stand-up show. What a stand-up human being (no punn intended). She didn’t have to do this for ANYONE… but she did. Actually NO ONE had to do anything for Andy Swan or for the LCFA – but there is definitely still kindness in the world and events like these reminded me of that. The LCFA gave out grab bags for raffle prizes and winners got to take home a signed T-shirt and of course, I sent them their very well deserved photographs with the stars : ) Kindness begets kindness right?
That’s me… I know, what a dork right? I thought it would be fun to take a photo with Shemar and Kirsten – so I can show my children someday that I rubbed elbows with actors of a show I’d love her to be a cast of.
The night ended at El Portal Restaurant. I spoke with the manager (Abe Ramirez) and personally thanked him for being so generous in being a part of this event. I wonder if Andy Swan liked the tacos as much as I did : ) The El Portal had an awesome outdoor area where JR Richards, the Lead singer of the former Dishwalla, perfomed a set along with the funny J Chris Newberg and the beautiful Tyler Collins.
So there it was…. the event that touched people, wowed people, and most of all exposed the brutality of lung cancer. Zadrina mentioned to me that Andy Swan is actually doing better. Bless everyone who put good thoughts in for Andy. And Andy, may you discover how powerful your body and mind is… may you beat the odds and may you reach your dreams : )
Louella,
Not only are you an amazing photographer, but you are an amazing person. Your heart felt post brought tears to my eyes. Keep up the good work: as a photographer, as a writer and as a mother.
- Wendy
What a great blog! I attended that night in memory of my uncle who died from lung cancer. I too was touched with how many people really loved Andy. I had the opportunity to speak to him briefly and could easily understand why people care for him. He was so nice and generous to me. I told him how I’m a screenwriter, and he encouraged me to talk with the staff from Criminal Minds. Here he is fighting for his life and he’s trying to help me network. What a great guy!
Awesome storytelling with photos and your recap. Loved it!!
Louella,
I could not be more greatful to you for taking such great pictures. Thank you for all of your heart felt words. It is great to see it from the outside looking in as it was an amazing night I won’t forget. My family and AREA 9 Productions is forever greatful for you being a part of this moment in time with us. Your pictures are priceless. We are making lemonaide out of lemons. My Mom and Dad taught me that family is the most important thing.. … Andy and Jen Swan are not just friends they are FAMILY. Thank you to all who came it has helped Andy more than words could describe ..Thank you !
Thank you so much for capturing the event on July 24th. I remember you as this little flash darting around all over the place taking snapshots, at one point you even climbed onto the fountain to take some shots. You did a wonderful job telling the story both with your kind words and your fabulous photos. Thank you again, Cheers.
I ran across your film while reading a promo done by the cast of Criminal Minds. I was so moved I felt the need to drop a note. I was so encouraged by the fact that you made the film. It was a very strong, proactive, and educative release, a way to take control and be an active participant in your recovery. I’m sure you’ve already been told the majority of lung cancers occur in persons who have little or no smoking history at all! Yes, it really sucks! I probably should tell you that I am a Registered Nurse with 20 years of Oncology experience and 10 years in Critical Care. Oh yes the stories I could tell, but they are not YOUR story. The common thread is that the patients who remained involved actively in their care regimen, asking questions, demanding answers, making choices, staying involved in life, having a great and devoted support system as you so clearly have, and continue to LIVE their lives always have the best outcomes. The human spirit is an indomitable force, one that cannot be forced into “best evidence” statistics. I only wish there was a way to view your film in its entirety. Please respond and let me know if it is available for purchase or if this will eventually be released on DVD. I am slightly hearing impaired and the Dolby systems in a theater make it impossible to hear. I’m better at home with my TV the captions and lip reading. Keep on keeping on!!! I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. If you have any questions or want to talk feel free to contact me, I can be a great resource. I mean that strictly professionally. I’m sure you get lots of odd responses. Please let me know about your film or send me a link for more info. I hope this has been of some help.
Thank You for the Inspiration and God Bless
Dawn White-Santore RN
ournursie@gmail.com
I really love this blog post…very inpirational…keep on sharing..
Thank you so much. Sometimes a little nice message like that makes a huge difference in how much better I want to be at this : ) I appreciate the boost.