For immediate release  -  January 6, 2005

A Sarasota woman, Monica Kennedy, is trying to build awareness about a rare form of cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma by producing a documentary which tells the story of a young girl who, against all odds, contracted the rare disease and  is beating it.  Kennedy first learned of the story through her sister who lives in the girl's neighborhood.  Ewing's Sarcoma usually attacks adolescent Caucasian males but in this case the victim was an eight year old girl, Taylor Arrington. 

By the time the tumor near her spine was discovered, the cancer had spread throughout her whole body and Taylor was only given a 30% chance for survival.  Doctors utilized aggressive chemotherapy procedures and miraculously were able to stave off the devastating disease.   In addition, Taylor's twin sister Jordan was discovered to be an identical DNA match.  Revolutionary techniques in stem cell harvesting were also used which may someday act as a safety net for Taylor.

The mini-documentary was chosen to debut in the non-profit Entertainment Industry Incubator's 7th annual Collaboration contest.  Taylor's Story was selected in the top 15 from all submissions across the state of Florida.  It will be shown to 500 industry professionals and their supporters at the Sat. Feb. 5th   black tie Premiere Gala at the Wyndham Miami Beach.  Kennedy hopes to use the event to raise awareness about Ewing's Sarcoma by putting the story in front of executives attending from Miramax, Newmarket and HBO and developing the story into a screenplay.

The project was a collaborative effort between several Florida based artists including talented musician Joe Micals of Sarasota, Mark Thorn of Thorn TV and filmmaker Joe Kipikash who met Kennedy while working on the independent feature film Descansos.  Team members waived their fees and a donation to the Taylor Arrington Medical Trust was made on their behalf.  Kennedy may be contacted at 941-915-9911, Monica@monicakennedy.com

Other information sources about elements of this story:

www.eincubator.org

Taylor Arrington lost her battle April 22, 2007.  She was 12 years old.
 

http://walkinfaithnotfear.blogspot.com/2007/04/taylor-arrington.html