Help a freelancer return to work after cancer

My name is Corey Drayton.  I am a professional cinematographer with 23 years in motion pictures from Feature Films to commercials.  In 2018 I was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal Adenocarcinoma, an advanced, aggressive form of cancer.  My prognosis was dire, a less than 27% chance of surviving the next five years.  From Winter 2018 to 2020, I endured a course of radiation and chemotherapy during which I could not continue running my business producing content. With the help of donations and by selling off some of my equpiment to keep the bills paid, against all odds –  with the support of my family, friends and two devoted canines, I responded exceedingly well to treatment. As of today there are no signs of disease and I am in partial remission.  

Chemotherapy ended and for the first time since my diagnosis, life was again possible. I focused on getting back on my feet, taking those first pensive steps back into the working world and into the economic turmoil caused by the response to COVID-19.  While my doctors continue to monitor my condition, every CAT scan and MRI coming back clean, this unexpected reversal meant it was safe to think about the future. My eyes fixed on the horizon, mapping this new territory. How does one who is self-employed transiton from life-halting near-terminal cancer to self-sufficieny in a recession? This new reality laid bare the tenuous dependencies upon which my previous freelance business had functioned; an ecosystem of corporate clients, equipment rental houses and venues all rattled by "the new normal."  The lesson:  In the face of overwhelming uncertainty the truest course one can steer is one of reseliency. If my own small business had any chance of surviving it lay in the ability to offer more value and the freedom inherent in the ownership of the tools that allowed me to offer that value. 

I am asking for donations to raise the funds necessary to replace my equipment and attain self-sufficiency. My goal is to regain a camera body, three lenses and lights.  Doing so will enable me to:

• Better utilise my skills in commercial production and brand storytelling to exclusively benefit small businesses struggling in the new paradigm freeing me to offer maximum value and creativity to the brands I collaborate with.
  

•  Regain a sense of independence and freedom with the means to produce a diverse offering my own original content, from documentary films and podcasts to a visionary print magazine.
  

There is no doubt these times are challenging for us all, but if there's one thing I learned in my battle against terminal illness it's that we are forged in the challenges we face; we cast off our fears and push just a little closer to our true potential.

If you are unable to make a donation then please consider sharing this post.  Thank you for taking some time to read my story. My best wishes go out to you during these challenging times.