I am 27 years old and confused about life. Confusion has been a part of my everyday existence ever since I can remember. I want to accomplish 10 thousand things every morning when I wake up and before I go to bed every night. For once in my life I finally feel that I can do all of it. I am going full force this year. 2008 / 2009 are going to be amazing, crazy and scary all at the exact same time.
I have finally officially started my non-profit organization. The Heart Foundation will help raise money for patients families who need help with everyday expenses while being with their loved ones and being away from home. I am hoping that the organization will grow to something huge.I would love to give a somewhat financial relief to these families by covering the cost of airfare, hotel accommodations (if need be), food, toiletries and whatever else is needed for everyday comfortable living. I believe that there is a major need for such an organization here in the states. Hopefully when Clinton or Obama come into office (hint - hint) we will have a much better health care system on our hands. Maybe the need for SO MUCH HELP won't be there... But until then, I'll fight to do whatever it is that I can - and with the help of so many, I hope we can accomplish much more than what I could ever do on my own.
I have also decided to turn this past surgery into a documentary film. I started recording before I flew to The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, my entire hospital stay at Mayo and some of when I returned to Atlanta for recovery. I will continue shooting while transitioning to a new home in New York City, my fundraising concerts (more information to come) and the everyday battles I face. With the help of my amazing friend Jordan Hackworth, we will hopefully put something very special out there.
I will also be heading back into the studio at some point this year. I will be recording an album of all original material. That should be fun and interesting! Perhaps I will video tape that adventure as well. Studio sessions can get CRAZY... I remember studio sessions full of wine, laughter and odd accents. Ha! And that was just a theatre album :)
I am focusing right now sending this kick ass letter / press release to magazines, newspapers, radio stations, television networks and talk shows - to help get the word out there on what I am trying to accomplish with The Heart Foundation. Any help or ideas from anyone would be greatly appreciated! I would love to hear all of the wonderful ideas. Please read the press release below
**For Immediate Release**
April 2008
Contact: Barry Squillace
770/912-9188
[email protected]
The Heart Foundation To Aid Hospital Patients’ Families
My name is Barry Brandon Squillace, and I am a survivor of eight open-heart surgeries. At 27 years old, I have repeatedly surpassed the life expectancy predicted for me by respected doctors at several prestigious hospitals throughout the United States. Having experienced first-hand the trials that cardiology patients and their families face, I was compelled to start The Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to alleviate the daunting financial setbacks that arise during a hospital stay. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you further so I can tell my story, get the word out about The Heart Foundation and start easing the strife of patients and their families.
The cost of plane tickets, hotel rooms, food, basic toiletries and time away from work can be plainly and simply unaffordable. Oftentimes, family and friends cannot bear the expense of these necessities that come along with the already expensive procedures the patients undergo. And while there are thankfully plenty of organizations out there raising money for research and medication, there is not enough money to help in this important area. That is where The Heart Foundation steps in. I know personally just how important it is to have someone by your side during recovery. I also have witnessed how bad it is for a patient to not have anyone there. They deserve a helping hand.
The first fund-raising endeavors of The Heart Foundation will be benefit concerts in New York and Los Angeles this summer between June and August. With the help of Lee Leesack, owner of LML Music, I plan to have an amazing lineup of performers. I, myself, will be singing a few songs, as well. As soon as the dates and venues are set, I can confirm the guest performers.
In addition to these concerts, I am filming a documentary film based on preparation for my eighth open-heart surgery — before, during and after. This will also include my transition from Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta to New York City, where I plan on residing to pursue a career in the arts while hosting events to raise money for The Heart Foundation. The purpose of the documentary is three-fold: to raise awareness of what patients go through when facing medical procedures; to raise money for the foundation; and, most importantly, to help give people the strength to fight for their lives.
I am seeking your help in making my dreams a reality. I can be reached at 770/912-9188 or
[email protected] and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you for your time,
Barry Brandon
About The Heart Foundation
The Heart Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that collects money for children, teens, young adults and elderly patients’ family members so that they may stay with their loved ones who are undergoing serious medical procedures. Every penny raised goes into the foundation’s account and is then given to families in need of help with airfare, lodging and basic daily living expenses amassed during hospital stays. The Heart Foundation is in direct contact with the University of Alabama at Birmingham and The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, and is therefore in a position to offer medical support.
About Barry Brandon Squillace
Barry Brandon Squillace, 27, was diagnosed at birth with an unknown heart condition that would cause him to undergo four open-heart surgeries at Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital by the time he was 5 years old. Barry was sent to Dr. Albert Pacifico at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for his next three experimental surgeries before his condition was finally identified as Shoenes Syndrome, which puts the entire left side of the heart in need of repair. During his sixth surgery in 1989, Barry received a St. Jude aortic valve, but two cases of endocarditas — one in 2006 and another in 2008 — led to his most recent open-heart surgery in March at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where surgeons conduct the most adult congenital surgeries in the country, maybe even the world.
The Heart Foundation Seeks Performers For Benefit Concerts
I am seeking your help in making my dreams a reality, as I believe your performance at one of our upcoming fund-raising concerts would be exponentially beneficial for the foundation. I can be reached at 770/912-9188 or
[email protected] and look forward to hearing from you soon.
In addition to everything mentioned above, I am also closely working with an amazing artist from Tampa. She can paint anything under the sun! She does murals, portraits, abstract and everything else you can think of. The first collection available for distribution is "The Glamour Collection". We have chosen some of today's hottest stars and she has turned them into 64' by 64' black and white gorgeous one of a kind pieces. If you have a request as to a specific artist, feel more than free to let me know as she will take special orders.
The Tin Man Project Official Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woFUxp7hTNE
Robyn Bum Like You performed by Barry Brandon Squillace and Jose Luis Ro... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i79CSKqksh0
Lady Gaga Paparazzi Barry Brandon Squillace Jose Luis Rodriguez http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec8rGfG5cXk
Lady Gaga - This is the Moment - Barry Brandon Squillace Jose Luis Rodri... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RScTBD-byTc
