Worldwide Virtual Premiere Because of Sam Documentary Film

by Posted in Down Syndrome, Motivation, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged , , , ,

Worldwide Virtual Premiere
Because of Sam Documentary Film

Watch Because of Sam for FREE!

Featuring
Sam Piazza and WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil
October 9th – October 11th , 2020
Friday – Sunday at 8 pm EDT
To Watch Movie Trailer – Click Here!

Because of Sam is a documentary film that brings awareness to Down Syndrome through highlighting the inspirational life of Sam Piazza, a Tampa native and PDQ Team Member. The documentary film is available for FREE, in the 48-hour window during Down Syndrome Awareness Month – October 2020.

“Because of Sam transforms how the world views people with disabilities, and encourages ALL people to pursue their dreams. We hope that those who watch the film will help spread the news of Sam Piazza’s uplifting story, and recommend the movie to others.”

Renee Warmack, producer, director, & writer, MPA

Pre-Registration Dates: Now through October 9th at 8 pm EDT  at: https://www.watchbecauseofsam.com/watchfree

(Registration is required for access to this FREE, time-limited, streaming movie period and is strictly for at-home, personal use.)

Viewers can watch the 50-minute documentary on their laptops, tablets or smart phones, and mirror to their TVs. 

“Be prepared to be wowed… because it’s something very special and something much needed in the world today. We need to put as many positive stories out there as we possibly can and definitely need to highlight as many heroes as we can and my man, Sam, is definitely a hero.” 
   – WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil

Among Sam’s accomplishments are the following:
– Black belt in karate,
– Gaither High School’s Homecoming King,
– Gaither High School basketball’s team manager,
– ROTC member in high school,
– Volunteers and participates at GiGi’s Playhouse,
– Involved in Special Olympics and is an avid weightlifter at the YMCA,
– Teaches the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office about people with disabilities,
– Global Ambassador for the Best Buddies program,
– He’s an Equestrian, thanks to Hillsborough County’s Bakas Equestrian Center,
– and now works at PDQ in Carrollwood.

“If you have passion, you can do great things.”

Sam Piazza

Pictured: (Left Picture) Sam Piazza; (Right Picture) John Piazza (Father), Ruth Piazza (Mother), Catie Hunziker (Sister), Luke Piazza (Brother), and Sam Piazza

Because of Sam shows how Piazza, who was born with Down syndrome, overcame bullying, won Homecoming King at Gaither High School, and advocates for people with disabilities. It gives an inside look at Piazza’s journey from birth to the present day, and includes the uplifting perspectives of people who have been impacted by him. Piazza not only overcame tremendous obstacles, but now volunteers at Gigi’s Playhouse, serves as an advisor to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and works as a long-time PDQ (People Dedicated to Quality) team member. The movie includes a surprise, first-time meeting between O’Neil and Piazza at the Bob Sierra YMCA, in Tampa.

Be sure to Pre-Register Here for the FREE, limited streaming window in October: https://www.watchbecauseofsam.com/watchfree

Renee was inspired by an article about Sam Piazza in a local paper. She had to know more about the young man wearing the Homecoming Crown. Renee met Sam and his family and shared her vision of producing a documentary about Sam’s life—she wanted everyone to know Sam.

“I’m thrilled that my film about Tampa hero Sam Piazza will stream to homes across the globe for 48 hours at no charge to allow families who may be going through economic hardships to view the movie,” says Warmack, a Tampa native and University of South Florida alumna who is self-distributing the film.

Renee Warmack, Producer, Director, & Writer, MPA

About Renee Warmack–—Producer, Director, and Writer for Because of Sam

Renee Warmack, MPA, is a Tampa native and USF alumna. She is a producer, speaker, and coach who uses her inspirational movies, engaging events, and motivational coaching programs to help others claim their power and capture their dreams.

Learn more at: BecauseofSamTheMovie.com; IMDB; ReneeWarmackProductions.com

Contact
Renee Warmack – Producer, ReneeWarmackProductions@yahoo.com; 813-610-3132

“The first community screening of Because of Sam at the Tampa Theatre was a success. My husband and I were there. It was a wonderful experience with the movie receiving a standing ovation from a packed theatre. This is a movie for everyone not just the special needs community.” – Julie Ames

To Listen To The Podcast with Renee Warmack, Producer, Director, & Writer, Julie Ames, SNFH, Sam Piazza, Star of Because of Sam, Ruth Piazza, Sam’s Mother, and Jeff Kamis, the Vice President of Media & Public Relations for PDQ  Restaurants – Click Here!

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude!

by Posted in Autism, Child Safety, Education, Mental Health, Motivation, Parenting, Podcasts & Show Resources, Resource Tagged , , , ,

A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude

Join us this Sunday afternoon on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Bill Carl, the Morning Host for FaithTalk 570 AM & 910 AM will be interviewing Julie Ames. We will be discussing Julie’s new book A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude – No They are not Okay…but It’s Okay! Raising Special Needs Kids.

A Very Special Journey is more than a memoir. It is a story that provides guidance, hope, and education to parents and professionals who have or work with special needs children. Julie gives her readers the guidance they need to navigate their own way through the educational, medical, and legal waters that special needs families find themselves drowning in.

Julie throws a lifeline to other moms and dads facing the same challenges.  Conversely, by presenting the parents’ perspective, professionals working in these fields will gain a greater understanding and ability to provide services in a way that is truly helpful.

Every parent has to know how to be their own child’s strongest advocate. They need to know what questions to ask, when to demand answers, and when to walk away from advice they don’t trust. A Special Journey will provide these tools.

Julie’s story is about more than a mother and two challenged daughters. It is about more than autism. This story is about love, faith, and family. It is about learning to accept something that cannot be changed and to embrace the gifts we are given, despite perceived imperfections. We cry. We adapt. We reflect. We rejoice. Most importantly, we continue to live, love, and grow together every day. It is indeed a special journey.

Pictured: Julie Ames and Bill Carl, Morning Host for FaithTalk 570 AM
& 910 AM

Dear Friends,

This past Mother’s Day we celebrated our 5th Anniversary. This will be our last show for a while. This is not goodbye but a pause on our current format.

  • Our website will continue to be a resource for parents and caregivers who are caring for individuals with special needs.
  • Our newsletter will continue to provide you with up to date information.

 
The Special Needs Family Hour and I are evolving.

  • I am completing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University’s accredited program, to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. 
  • My book, A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude, will be coming out in the next few months. 
  • It is an exciting time with many things happening to include upcoming speaking engagements. 

We appreciate our listeners, our guests who are making a positive difference in the world, our awesome sponsors, and our friends at Salem Media Group.

Julie Ames

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Who Do You See When You Look At Me?

by Posted in Motivation, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged , ,

Who Do You See When You Look at Me – Angela Ray Rodgers

Join us this Sunday on the Special Needs Family Hour at 1:00 pm!
Our guests this week are Angela Ray Rodgers. the author of Who Do You See When You Look At Me?,  and her nine-year old daughter Grace Anna! 

Grace Anna has Conradi-Hunermann Syndrome. She has had multiple surgeries. Through it all she has been an inspiration to those who know her. She started singing before she could talk. What a lovely voice of hope and grace!

At three years old, Grace Anna became a viral video sensation when her rendition of “The Star- Spangled Banner” was viewed by millions around the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLdjwpfcC8w

This book: “Reminds Readers that Differences are Opportunities to Demonstrate Kindness and Compassion.”

Though she lives with the daily challenges of disability, Grace Anna is a typical kid with big dreams. With imaginative text and charming illustrations, this story teaches children to let go of first impressions and see themselves and others for who they really are. 

Who Do You See When You Look at Me? by Angela Ray Rodgers, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble®

“Although I might seem different, I am a happy girl with much to share. Are we more alike than you thought we would be?”

“I am Grace Anna.”

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Alder Allensworth!

by Posted in Motivation, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged , ,

Prevail Celebrate the Journey

After being diagnosed with a rare usually fatal cancer, Alder Allensworth made a miraculous recovery and took on a sailing journey most would only dream of. Having lost one eye to cancer, Alder dedicated herself to this 1,200-mile trip to raise money and awareness for sailors with disabilities, and quickly realized that sailing the 12-foot Prevail from Florida to Maine presented a whole new set of challenges that she had never encountered before, even on the water. Prevail follows Alder’s story from her diagnosis through her sailing expedition, and finally to the creation of a nonprofit sailing organization that provides instruction and recreation to people of all ages and abilities: Sailability Greater Tampa Bay.

Alder Allensworth, MM, LMHC, RN, CIHC has over 40 years of experience assisting people to reach their highest potential. Click here to: Learn more about Alder.

Start sailing! 
Find out how you can learn to sail. Click here to:  Learn more >  

Prevail: Celebrate the Journey, is available on Amazon.

Prevail is also available as an audiobook through audiobooks.com.

Listen to a free sample. 

The Special Needs Family Hour Presents: Because of Sam the Documentary!

by Posted in Down Syndrome, Motivation, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged , , ,
Among Sam’s accomplishments are the following:
Black belt in karate, 
Global Ambassador for the  Best Buddies program,
Gaither High School’s Homecoming King
Gaither High School basketball’s team manager,
ROTC member in high school,
Involved in Special Olympics and is an avid weightlifter,
Volunteers at GiGi’s Playhouse
He’s an Equestrian, thanks to Hillsborough County’s Bakas Equestrian Center, 
and now works at PDQ – they’ve even named a menu item after him!

Join us Sunday afternoon with Renee Warmack, the Producer, Director, and Writer of the documentary Because of Sam.

Along with Renee are the star of the documentary, Sam Piazza; his mother, Ruth Piazza; and Jeffrey Kamis, the Vice President of Media & Public Relations for PDQ Restaurants, where Sam works.

Sam is a Tampa hero. As a young man with Down syndrome, Sam has broken barriers and proven that people with disabilities can succeed and inspire others to do more – and be more. Sam’s life and story help others Claim Their Power and Capture Their Dreams, every day.

This past Monday was the first community screening of Because of Sam at the Tampa Theatre. It was a success with the movie receiving a standing ovation from a packed theatre. The evening culminated with Tampa Theatre adding a second show Saturday, August 10th. 

Here’s your chance to see what you missed!

Tickets are $12.50 general admission / $9.50 Tampa Theatre Members and can be bought at BecauseofSam.com or at the Tampa Theatre Box Office.

Pictured Left to Right: Renee Warmack, Producer, Director, & Writer, Julie Ames, SNFH, Sam Piazza, Star of All About Sam, Ruth Piazza, Sam’s Mother , and Jeff Kamis, the Vice President of Media & Public Relations for PDQ  Restaurants    

Grace Anna Sings – True Story of hope from a little girl whose song inspires the world

by Posted in Motivation, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged , , ,

Grace Anna Sings!

Our guests this week are Angela Ray Rodgers. the author of Grace Anna Sings,  and her seven-year old daughter Grace Anna!

Grace Anna Sings, is an incredible true story of hope from a little girl whose song inspires the world. Grace Anna has Conradi-Hunermann Syndrome. She has had multiple surgeries. Through it all she has been an inspiration to those who know her. She started singing when before she could talk. What a lovely voice of hope and grace.

Visit Grace Anna Sings on Facebook

Discuss “Finding Mathew” with Author Donna Kirk. It’s a Story of Hope and Encouragement.

by Posted in Motivation, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged ,

“Finding Matthew” with Author Donna Kirk: A Story of Hope and Encouragement

Our guest this week is Donna Kirk. She is the author of the book “Finding Mathew”. It is a story about “the sorrows, struggles, and challenges, as well as the amazing presence of love and joy – that come with being the parent of a child with disabilities.

Donna’s son Matthew was born brain-damaged as a result of oxygen deprivation. At the time (1970) Donna and her husband were advised by doctors to put Matthew in an institution, have another baby as soon as possible, and get on with their life. Needless to say Donna and her husband did not take that advice! “Finding Matthew” tells the story of Matthew’s life from birth to age 40.

Donna Kirk Pictured Left: Donna Kirk

DonnaKirk.com: Donna Kirk’s blog is all about what happened in between Matthew’s devastating diagnosis and his successful life as a respected, contributing member
of society.

Follow on Facebook

Michele Houston Hicks, author of Princess Pie!

by Posted in Motivation, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged , , ,

Michele Houston Hicks, author of Princess Pie

Michele Houston and Julie Ames, SNFH

Michele Houston and Julie Ames, SNFH

Our guest is Michele Houston Hicks, the author of Princess Pie. Princess Pie is about her precious granddaughter, Aniya, who was born at 1 lb, 8 oz and 12” long. Aniya has endured great physical challenges such as severe Cerebral Palsy, vision impairment, and various surgeries.

Michele’s message of Holiday Hope is to let you know that all children bring out the best in us. And in her words “They teach us compassion, understanding and patience where it may be lacking. They produce an inner strength in all of us where we thought we had none. They give us unconditional love and instill in us to love the same. They are just normal kids that just need extra special care.”

Princess Pie : The first book of the series which illustrates the lives of two little girls born prematurely and the adventures they share growing up together.  Their stories will bring joy, laughter and encouragement as life’s adventures of the main character Princess Pie and her trusted devoted sidekick Szeja who refers to Princess Pie as her “best friend cousin”.  The tales are narrated through colorful, educational, heartfelt and funny stories. Like Princess Pie on Facebook.

Award Winning Author Suzin Carr!

by Posted in Motivation, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged , , ,

Award Winning Author Suzin Carr

Suzin Carr and Julie Ames, SNFH

Suzin Carr and Julie Ames, SNFH

A Special Thanksgiving Message with Suzin H. Carr, the award winning author of “I Choose,” “I Choose Too!,” and “Yo Elijo.” “I Choose” and the Spanish translation “Yo Elijo,” is suitable for everyone, but especially those aged 3-8 and the folks who work with them.

“I Choose Too!” is a thought-provoking, meaningful and interactive book about the choices humans make everyday. If you are a grown-up with questions, a therapist, counselor, Minister, teacher or anyone who has ever been in transition….this book is for you!

Suzin is available to speak to your local school, club, or Scout Troop. Topics include the message of the book, the book printing process, its impact on a 7 year old, and following your dream as an artist or writer. She is the wife of James, and the mother of Chandler.  She lives in Lutz, Florida where she juggles the life she chooses and is grateful for countless blessings and immeasurable joy.

Illuminated Publishing: Quality books, etc. with a family-friendly message. Written by a Mom and illustrated by her son when he was 7 years old. Home of “I Choose,” “I Choose Too!,” “Yo Elijo,” & More

“We choose what comes out of our mouth, what stays in our head, and what lives in our heart.” ~ Suzin Carr, wife, mother, author

Ms. Wheelchair America 2014, Jennifer Lynn Adams

by Posted in Motivation, Podcasts & Show Resources Tagged ,

Ms. Wheelchair America 2014: Jennifer Lynn Adams

Pictured: Jennifer Lynn Adams and Julie Ames, SNFH.

Pictured: Jennifer Lynn Adams and Julie Ames, SNFH.

Ms. Wheelchair America 2014, Jennifer Lynn Adams was on the show. Jennifer was born with partial limbs and throughout her life she has struggled with the limitations that come with her extra-ability. She does not consider her struggles a burden, but instead a gift, for she has had the privilege to learn that beyond our limitations is fulfillment and life’s purpose. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Vocal Performance from Pacific Lutheran University, followed by a Master of Arts in Counseling from Faith Evangelical Seminary, along with a Certification in Applied Technology in Radio Broadcasting.