I had a chance to spend a little time with former Michigan State Spartan, Detroit Lion and now Seattle Seahawk running back T.J. Duckett this afternoon in Mattawan.  More importantly, I got to watch as T.J. treated eight young boys…. kids he previously did not know….each of whom have a parent battling, or who had battled cancer…. to a day of fun at local arcade and fun park. 

“I’ve been through the whole experience,” said Duckett, who lost his mother to cancer when he was a kid.  “I know what they’re going through.”

After meeting the kids and their parents at the West Michigan Cancer Center, Duckett surprised the group with limo transportation to the “Formula K” fun spot in Mattawan.  There, Duckett treated the kids to go-cart racing, bumper cars, air-hockey, arcade games, and host of other activities.  

“When my mother was sick, she really didn’t have the ability, the energy or the time to do things like this,” Duckett told me this afternoon.  “Being able to take kids out who are in the same situation I was in and give some relief to their parents… I think that’s half the battle.  When you’re sick you worry about how other people are doing, especially your children.”

Duckett also gave each of the kids his personal cell phone number, as he gets set to head to Seattle for training camp. 

“I don’t want these kids to feel like they are by themselves,” Duckett said.  “(I want to) give them a chance to call me, whatever it is, in any situation that comes up, when they feel alone or they feel they don’t have anyone to talk to.  If I can talk to them on the phone when they’re having a bad day, I can remind them of what we did out here today.”

A simple gesture by a good man… yet one these eight young men, will never forget.

UPDATE!!!  There is also a casting call with this movie and its this weekend Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th !!!

“Shaken Daddy Syndrome” Crewing Up in Kalamazoo
Filming scheduled July 25th-August 23rd

“Shaken Daddy Syndrome” is a full length comedy written by Joshua Martin and produced by Kevin Park.   The film does contain language and subject matter that may not be suitable for those under 18.

Casting call: Saturday June 27th and Sunday June 28th
11:00-5:00 pm
Where: Holiday Inn West
2747 11th Street
Kalamazoo, MI

The production is casting 4 males 18-28, 2 males late 40s-50s, 1 male 30s, 6 females 18-28, and 2 females late 40s.   Rehearsals will be July 13th-23rd with filming scheduled for July 25th-August 23rd.

If you have questions or need to set up an audtition, contact campaignpictures@gmail.com.

Crew call: Crew Positions Still Available.   Send your resume and contact information to campaignpictures@gmail.com.

Plot synopsis:  With an unclear path for life after college, Tristan Williams journey takes some interesting twists. Shortly after being disowned by his estranged father, the two are forced to live together. To make the situation worse, he has to deal with roommates that refuse to grow up, a deadbeat sister and an overly religious mother all while falling for the girl of his dreams.

GOOD LUCK !!

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