I love the work that the folks at WHITECOAT Strategies do, "telling the story of science," in ways that, according to CEO and Producer David Welch, offer "Excitement and drama, compelling heroes, and yes, a little romance." I highlighted a piece of their video work a while back in my post "What Nutragenomics, custom Nikes, and ordering take out tell us about American political life," and in today's "why do you serve" post, I'd like to call attention to their latest story of gene therapy and a young boy's fight against blindness.Welch recently offered a producer's cut and explained why he serves -- why the work of science, biotechnology, and medicine is so important -- on the WHITECOAT blog in a post titled "New Hope for Gene Therapy… A Young Boy’s Fight Against Blindness."
"As a producer of science and biotech films I look for three important story elements: Excitement and drama, compelling heroes, and yes, a little romance. This may surprise some people. After all, this is science…not a Lifetime movie. But when we discuss amazing cures for our planet, whether it be in medicine, agriculture or industry, the makings of a really good story are always at hand.
"I am happy to say this short form three minute video has all three elements. What could be more exciting than a biotech cure to a rare genetic disease that had left 9-year-old Corey Haas virtually blind since birth? Or more dramatic than 3-dimensional animation that visually describes Corey’s procedure. Heroes? This video is packed with them. From Dr. Jean Bennett and her clinical trial and surgical team to Dr. Steve Rose and his research colleagues at the Fighting Blindness Foundation to young Corey himself. And if you’re looking for a little love and romance you need to look no further than the emotion of Corey’s parents who never lost hope that one day their son would have his vision restored.
"The inspiration for the video actually came from Dr. Stephen Sherwin, president and CEO of Ceregene and currently the Chairman of the Biotechnology Industry Organization. Steve asked us to produce a video about renewed hope and interest in gene therapy that he could show during his Keynote Address at the BIO Convention in Chicago. He wanted a factual and realistic portrayal of Corey’s story and a video about hope and perseverance.
"In reviewing the final cut I was again reminded that the stories of science and biotechnology are best told visually. Video allows us to bring together the scientists with those who benefit from their science. It is a powerful and emotional combination. I must also admit to a little luck. Jean Bennett and Steve Rose are fantastic interviews, each presenting their expertise in language easily understandable by wide audiences. Their dedication to science combined with a personal affinity for patients like Corey really comes through.
"In the end, however, it is a story about a special little boy who is as normal as apple pie. He rides his bike (fast) and plays hand-to-eye games on Wii like a world champion. And in 2009, Corey Haas completed his first season of Little League baseball. I don’t think his batting average even mattered."
Like so many of the human stories that come out of the groundbreaking work of devoted scientists and doctors the world over, this is a great story (others are availably from WHITECOAT Strategies and BIOchannel on YouTube). I appreciate what the family, doctors, producers, and crew shared with us, and I hope that you'll pass along and help tell the story. Thank you, all, for your service!
(Pictured first is David Welch (producer), and second is Corey Haas, who has overcome near blindness at birth, and finished his first season of little league baseball in 2009.)