Mack is Back!
Donation protected
My Story:
Hello - I'm Diane Mackenzie and I live in Santa Barbara CA. I am a filmmaker. I now have a great life here in Santa Barbara. However, a few short years ago - my life looked very differently than it does today.
And first my ask is simple.
The majority is to cover continued out of pocket medical expenses. That was a as result of a 2010 rape and beating.
The remainder is to cover my purchase a used car.
A Piece of My History.
January 2010 -
I was raped and beaten - surprisingly enough - right here in Santa Barbara.
My attacker knew that I am a filmmaker and swore that he was going to prevent me from ever making a film again. I fought for my life and the police pulled him off of me just as he finished destroying my glasses.
I am alive. My eyes were spared - my VISION intact.
The next 6 1/2 years feel in retrospect - like someone else's life.
I had a traumatic brain injury as a result of the attack. I was agoraphobic and never left the house alone. I stopped talking to virtually everyone I knew. I like so many survivors felt I was to blame. The shame was paralyzing.
I had no family that I could reach out to for support.
The thought that kept me going was I would heal - somehow step back into my community and live to make another film.
Needless to say I am here and I didn't do that entirely without some support. Though I was left with no financial resources - I am fortunate to have had several excellent doctors and ongoing support from a couple of local nonprofits.
July 2016
I walked out my front door on my own for the first time since the attacks. I started the journey back into my life.
December 2016
I am officially a medical miracle - fewer than 7% of people that have a brain injury such as mine ever recover fully enough to live independently. I was medically cleared of all neurological issues - including a seizure disorder and debilitating migraines.
December 2019
Today - I am thriving. I am moving forward in my life - I started to work again in May of 2018. I am so fortunate to live and work in the incredible community of artists that live here in Santa Barbara.
December 2019
I am starting my first film project post assault. The working title is Are You Hearing Me?.
I will be exploring how my own art, as well as that of other female artists is both informed by trauma and how trauma is expressed in our work. I believe that trauma can be a transformational catalyst. It is and has been quite a journey learning how to use my history and voice in a proactive/positive manner.
The monies that I am able to raise in this campaign will allow me fully recover from the effects of the trauma. I still have prescribed treatment that is necessary for my recovery that is not covered by medical insurance. My having a car again is changing my life - I now have the mobility that any working adult in California finds necessary.
I started back to work in 5/2018 and as of Fall Quarter 2019 I am back in school at UCSB to finish my degree in Film and Media Studies - so that I can teach in addition to making my own films.
I am reaching out for your support.
I am here! I am raising my voice along with others - so that we and those that follow will have a different experience.
Thank you!!! Thank you all!!!
Hello - I'm Diane Mackenzie and I live in Santa Barbara CA. I am a filmmaker. I now have a great life here in Santa Barbara. However, a few short years ago - my life looked very differently than it does today.
And first my ask is simple.
The majority is to cover continued out of pocket medical expenses. That was a as result of a 2010 rape and beating.
The remainder is to cover my purchase a used car.
A Piece of My History.
January 2010 -
I was raped and beaten - surprisingly enough - right here in Santa Barbara.
My attacker knew that I am a filmmaker and swore that he was going to prevent me from ever making a film again. I fought for my life and the police pulled him off of me just as he finished destroying my glasses.
I am alive. My eyes were spared - my VISION intact.
The next 6 1/2 years feel in retrospect - like someone else's life.
I had a traumatic brain injury as a result of the attack. I was agoraphobic and never left the house alone. I stopped talking to virtually everyone I knew. I like so many survivors felt I was to blame. The shame was paralyzing.
I had no family that I could reach out to for support.
The thought that kept me going was I would heal - somehow step back into my community and live to make another film.
Needless to say I am here and I didn't do that entirely without some support. Though I was left with no financial resources - I am fortunate to have had several excellent doctors and ongoing support from a couple of local nonprofits.
July 2016
I walked out my front door on my own for the first time since the attacks. I started the journey back into my life.
December 2016
I am officially a medical miracle - fewer than 7% of people that have a brain injury such as mine ever recover fully enough to live independently. I was medically cleared of all neurological issues - including a seizure disorder and debilitating migraines.
December 2019
Today - I am thriving. I am moving forward in my life - I started to work again in May of 2018. I am so fortunate to live and work in the incredible community of artists that live here in Santa Barbara.
December 2019
I am starting my first film project post assault. The working title is Are You Hearing Me?.
I will be exploring how my own art, as well as that of other female artists is both informed by trauma and how trauma is expressed in our work. I believe that trauma can be a transformational catalyst. It is and has been quite a journey learning how to use my history and voice in a proactive/positive manner.
The monies that I am able to raise in this campaign will allow me fully recover from the effects of the trauma. I still have prescribed treatment that is necessary for my recovery that is not covered by medical insurance. My having a car again is changing my life - I now have the mobility that any working adult in California finds necessary.
I started back to work in 5/2018 and as of Fall Quarter 2019 I am back in school at UCSB to finish my degree in Film and Media Studies - so that I can teach in addition to making my own films.
I am reaching out for your support.
I am here! I am raising my voice along with others - so that we and those that follow will have a different experience.
Thank you!!! Thank you all!!!
Organizer
Diane Mackenzie
Organizer
Santa Barbara, CA