Because of Sam Throw Back Thursday (#TBT)
It’s “Throwback Thursday” (#TBT) so I’m taking you back to where it all began…
The seed of the idea that I had to produce what has now become Because of Sam (#BecauseofSam and @becauseofsamthemovie on Instagram) started with this image:
It captivated me, Renee Warmack, as a small, independent, filmmaker in 2009 when I sat on the couch reading the newspaper….
Little did I know that, when I set out to find Sam Piazza and get the Piazza’s blessing to make an inspirational movie about his life, Sam was so much more than a Homecoming King.
He was (AND IS) a courageous warrior and change agent for good – who had (AND HAS) an incredible “fan club” of family and friends he’d impacted (AND STILL DOES) in a positive way his whole life.
It took me 10 years to make this movie… and it is a dream come true that more people’s lives are changed for good by watching it AND that Sam, a “Hometown Tampa Hero” is celebrated AS HE SHOULD BE!
People with intellectual developmental disabilities (see #IDD on Instagram) deserve to be seen in movies, jobs, sports, and every facet of life… Because of Sam — through Sam Piazza’s story, puts a stake in the ground and makes that statement loud and clear.
Sam is still going strong in his advocacy and day job at PDQ (@pdqfreshfood on Instagram) – he’s been there 8 yrs!
He is a true Home Town Hero.
I am so grateful for all that he is and all that he gives to this world to make it a better place.
Check out how you can watch the movie at WatchBecauseofSam.com. You can also see the movie trailer on that same page.
… AND, please share it with others to spread a powerful message of inclusion, love, and hope.