Sometimes you find heroes in the least likely places. Sometimes they even hide behind other heroes. In the case of Keenan Bristol lovingly known as Special, his new film “Students Are Heroes: A Sickle Cell Warrior’s Story” by Music Brings Life directed by Special and co-produced by Prince Ford and Special. The film is dedicated to bringing awareness of the shortage of blood donations for victims facing sickle cell disease, by African-American, Latino and Caribbean donors. All proceeds support Music Brings Life’s High School “Heroes Donate Blood Program” with the destination goal of collecting 10,000 pints of blood.
The film follows high school student Jordana, an athlete, who finds herself in the hospital after a collapse during track practice. She is diagnosed with a sickle cell crisis and faces a critical situation by the development of antibodies from previous blood transfusions, which complicates her search for a compatible donor. The hospital unfortunately does not have the specific blood type required for treatment. Jordana is acutely aware that individuals from black and Latino communities who are more likely to have her compatible blood are underrepresented in blood donations.
Her condition becomes more and more critical and her only hope is the possibility that high school students may come forward to donate their blood. The students step up to the plate and Jordana receives the treatment she prayed for.
Special is relentlessly dedicated to this cause and is hoping that the streaming of the film will not only raise awareness but blood donations as well. The movie will also be screened on November 12, 2024 @ John Dewey High School during a blood awareness assembly.
This touching and compelling film could only be created by someone who is a hero himself. Not only did he create the foundation for this conviction but has also created music that is heart wrenching and beautiful. Special is also a talented hip hop artist who uses his gift to spread the word that his film so eloquently provides.
Stream “Students are Heroes: A Sickle Cell Warrior’s Story” on the official website for Music Brings Life today and be a hero: https://www.musicbringslife.org
Watch the official trailer for “Students are Heroes: A Sickle Cell Warrior’s Story” here:
