The Day I Became Alive

SYNOPSIS

At 31, Derek Dienner was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Faced with his own mortality, Derek learned how to turn tragedy into a motivator for change. As Derek reflected on his journey, he realized August 24th, 2017 was not the day he was diagnosed with cancer, but the day he became alive.

DIRECTOR STATEMENT

“As a friend and colleague of Derek, I had the misfortune yet tremendous opportunity to document his diagnosis, treatment and recovery but more interestingly perhaps, the moments in between. Being a filmmaker, Derek was bold in his on-camera examination of fear and regret in a way that I haven’t seen captured before. I do believe that this film has the power to inspire people to be vigilant yet stay positive whether the challenge they face is cancer or something entirely different.” – Allen Clements

IN THE NEWS

LNP: Derek Dienner on remaking a life after cancer

Good Day PA!: Filmmaker, cancer survivor shares documentary

For press inquiries please contact Lisbet Byler at lisbet@makefilms.cc.

CAST

Derek Dienner

Ashley Dienner

Walid Hesham, MD

Ethan Dienner

Makayla Dienner

CREW

Directors | Aaron Dienner & Allen Clements

Executive Producer | Derek Dienner

Producers | Allen Clements, Lisbet Byler, Catlin Williams, & Grace Wagner

Director of Photography | Aaron Dienner

Additional Camera | Steve Buckwalter

Behind the Scenes Camera Operator | Jacob Hopkins

Editor | Aaron Dienner

Credits & Title Design | Derek Hollister

THANK YOU

Derek would like to thank:

• Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
• Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute
• Krista Fisher for encouraging me to get the colonoscopy.
• The MAKE films crew for helping to tell my story and for their support.
• F*#K Cancer T-Shirt Crew
• My family and friends

ACCOLADES

Silver Telly Winner in Online: Documentary: Individual

Official selection in the Red Rose Film Festival

Official selection in the ReadingFilmFEST

Official selection in the Palm Beach International Mini Movie and Film Festival

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