Sydney Stephenson
© Sydney

The Cure Starts Now

Client Work

— DIPG/DMG Symposium 2023

- Project Lead

- Motion Designer


— Role

- Video Editing

- Motion Graphics

- Mentoring


— DATE

09.25.2023

A series of videos highlights the collaborative efforts and journey of family foundations and researchers associated with The Cure Starts Now and the DIPG/DMG Collaborative. These videos capture the dedication, funding efforts, and the call for increased participation in the mission to advance research for a cure for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG). Each video narrates a unique story, shedding light on the challenges faced by family foundations and cancer researchers in their quest for a cure. These narratives include the experiences of affected families, children currently battling, and those who have passed, yet whose families persist in the fight. The videos also provide insights into the progression of research, illustrating the impact of collaborative support on its current state and expressing hopes for future advancements.


Conducted a three-day shoot in Lexington, KY during the DIPG/DMG Symposium 2023, with responsibilities spanning setup, recording, and breakdown. The primary video style centered around interviews with family foundations, delving into their fundraising stories supporting cancer research. Additionally, interviewed researchers whose work benefits from the fundraising, exploring the progress of their research. Collaborated with the head of The Cure Starts Now to meticulously cut and edit extensive footage, resulting in a collection of twenty-one videos that intricately weave together various aspects of the broader DIPG and DMG awareness narrative. Integrated provided motion graphics, including lower thirds naming conventions, and selected and incorporated music during post-production editing. The role also presented an opportunity to mentor a new co-op and observe firsthand the dynamics of in-person client editing.

— Wolf Pack

- Project Lead

- Motion Designer


— ROLE

- Video Editing

- Motion Graphics


— DATE

08.01.2022

This video narrates the poignant journey of Grant Wolf, battling Medulloblastoma, as shared by his twin sister, Julia. Grant, a compassionate and athletic 7-year-old, cherished playing various sports, particularly baseball, basketball, and golf. Diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in September 2019, he unfortunately succumbed to the disease by January 2021. Faced with the approaching birthday, the first without her twin, Julia decided to commemorate him. She initiated a Facebook Live fundraiser with a modest goal of $240, only to be astonished as the community rallied, raising an impressive $56,000. The proceeds were then graciously donated to Cincinnati's Children Hospital in Grant's memory.


Responsibilities for capturing this narrative involved visiting the family and Julia at their home for an interview focused on Grant's story and Julia's fundraising journey. Acting as the Director of Photography (DP), responsibilities included managing the camera and ensuring Julia's comfort while discussing this sensitive topic. A priority was a seamless, minimal setup, recording, and breakdown within the home to create a comfortable environment for Julia. Subsequently, the task involved cutting, editing, and integrating motion graphics to visually propel Grant and Julia's story in the video.

— Hyde Park Blast 2022

- Project Lead

- Motion Designer


— ROLE

- Video Editing

- Motion Graphics


— DATE

08.16.2022

This video highlights the collaboration between The Cure Starts Now and the Hyde Park community, emphasizing their shared enthusiasm, active participation, and fundraising efforts in support of the battle against cancer. The Hyde Park Blast, a full-day fundraising event, features a 4-mile race through historic Hyde Park, a kids' fun run, cycle racing, and culminates in a vibrant community block party.


Responsibilities during the event involved maneuvering with a DJI Pocket 2 Handheld Camera to capture the vibrant energy of the attendees, staff, and the overall atmosphere of the event. Editing the footage and integrating motion graphics to craft a compelling narrative that aptly represents the essence of the event, its mission, and The Cure Starts Now’s active role in the community to promote cancer awareness.