The Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa (FHSSA) approached Washington, D.C.-based digital animation and visual design firm Pixeldust Studios to develop a creative new way to reach out to U.S. hospices with the message about the need for additional partners.
The result is a three-minute web video that depicts through 2D animation and graphics the dramatic contrast between what it means to provide hospice and palliative services in the U.S. and what it takes to provide such care in an African country where resources are few and the need so great.
At the core of its mission, FHSSA works to develop partnerships between U.S. hospice programs and those in 13 countries in Africa. Through these partnerships, African hospices gain technical assistance, support, and most importantly, friendship.
“Hospice programs across the U.S. have so generously opened their hearts and arms to programs in Africa, and they work closely together to expand access to much needed palliative care. The rewards are tremendous and quite mutual, but we continue to look for more U.S. programs to join in such a partnership,” said John Mastrojohn, executive director of FHSSA. “Sometimes what it takes to get a message across is a fresh and creative way of delivering that message. We’ve hit a homerun with Pixeldust and are most grateful.”
Ricardo Andrade, executive director/founder of Pixeldust Studios, served as director and art director on the video, teaming with company colleagues Brian Monroe as VFX artist, Kody Roman as 3D artist and Mark S. Andrade as music composer. Writer was Shelley Smith, FHSSA director.
Actor Steve Guttenberg Returns To L.A. Neighborhood Now Charred By Devastating Wildfire
Steve Guttenberg awoke Thursday morning to a grim reality: The treacherous wildfire that tore through the Pacific Palisades had left his once-lush neighborhood charred and unrecognizable.
With homes smoldered, streets emptied and friends scattered by evacuation orders, Guttenberg counted himself among the fortunate. His property was miraculously spared. But the actor-producer still struggled to reconcile his relief with the haunting sight of his ravaged, once lavish community.
"Just this morning, I woke up and I was really conscious of my mental state and my mental health, because the last three days, I've seen so much tragedy," said Guttenberg, pacing through the ruins of his neighborhood. He said his home has electricity but no running water.
Guttenberg thanked God that his block was safe, but he said about 20 homes were burned "pretty bad" in his 80-home community after wind-whipped fires tore across Los Angeles, destroying homes, clogging roadways as tens of thousands fled as the fires burned uncontained Wednesday. He said the fires are the worst he's ever seen in his 66-years.
The wildfires have burned the homes of several celebrities including Billy Crystal, Carey Elwes and Paris Hilton.
Guttenberg said he never expected all of this to happen.
"It's like when someone dies suddenly," he said. "It's like when someone gets hit by a car. You never expect that to happen. That's how shocking it was."
During Guttenberg's stroll, it was an eerie scene with scorched palm trees, homes reduced to ash and rubble, and the daytime skies casted an ominous twilight over the devastation.
"I've seen people scared, people in wheelchairs, mothers and fathers trying to find their kids, people having anxiety and panic... Read More