Docket 32357 At The Urbanworld Film Festival

Director Randy Wilkins, Me, Actress Ashley Denise Robinson,
Actor Kiel Perry, Actress Tara Gadomski

This weekend, the film I wrote, Docket 32357, made its NY premiere at the Urbanworld Film Festival. While I had already seen it on the big screen in Hollywood, CA at the Hollyshorts Film Festival, seeing it this time with my parents was a totally different feeling. My Father flew up from the Caribbean for it and hadn't so much as known what it was about when he stepped into the Theater. My Mom had seen it before but never on the big screen. Some of my friends were there and all these people made the experience very nerve wracking! I think I was more nervous for them to see it. Silly, I know but there is something inherently terrifying about showing people your work. It makes you feel so vulnerable. I even sat away from most everyone during the shorts block because of my shyness.

After the whole shorts block was done, cast and crew were invited up on stage for a Q & A session. We had done this in LA as well but this time, Randy encouraged me to mention why I wrote the story and to talk about the stroke if asked where the story came from. In LA, I was asked the same question and omitted the stroke part of it, I don't know why...So this time, someone asked the same question and I spoke about how the story came about and the stroke. While I was speaking these words, I wasn't completely aware of myself. I don't remember everything I said and I was even looking at the ground. Randy said as I spoke, some jaws dropped which is to be expected. Again, we're trying to bring awareness that even us young folk suffer from strokes. He also told me I spoke super fast! Haha, I'm pretty sure I just wanted to get it out.

I'm glad I mentioned it though. I should be proud of what I accomplished. I was able to write a compelling story in recovery and that says a lot. I'm pretty amped to go to more screenings at other festivals so I can talk about the experience again. Now I'm ready and I won't speak fast. I can do this! I have nothing to be embarrassed about. I lived to tell the tale!

Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of the film! Hopefully it will be coming to a screen near you in the near future.

You can hear me speak to the audience about the film here

Healthcare Finally...But At A High Cost

I FINALLY got COBRA. On the 45th day, at the 11th hour, my company decided to grant me my right and give me some healthcare. Ugh!

Now I have the joy of paying $651 a month to these people. I have faith that one day healthcare will be affordable for everyone. It may not happen in my lifetime but I still have faith.

For anyone who has had this problem with their company not wanting to give them COBRA, remember, IT IS YOUR RIGHT. If they don't give you information, call the US Department of Labor and call them out on it.

COBRA Is Your Right!

I have had a myriad of problems with my ex employer regarding my healthcare coverage. I was supposed to be offered COBRA after my severance ran out at the end of July and the HR reps, who got everything wrong when I went on Medical Leave for the stroke 2 years ago, are now responsible for my current healthcare. Employers have 45 days from when one separates from the company to get everything organized and as it is, no one has been helpful. I have made calls myself to 3 different providers and administrators and have sent countless emails to HR and have received NO help.

I don't get it. Now I am stuck with medical bills for appointments I have had to make because of my pre-existing condition and have had to pay out of pocket. I don't know about you, but I certainly don't like paying over $400 out of pocket for a blood test when I should be covered.

I have spoken to the Department of Labor and they said they cannot step in until it has been 4 days. Well, I can't wait for that day to come because these people need a reality check. You can't do this to people, especially people who are sick. If that former employer is reading this, I just want to say this blog has over 14,000 views and it has been 40 days since you've ignored me...

Can't wait until 45. Please test me. Let me use you as an example.