EMPOWER AUTISM: MICHAEL’S STORY

A Journey of Hope, Strength and Possibility

There are moments in life when everything changes in an instant.

For Michael’s family, that moment came when he was just two years old. He was diagnosed with autism, and suddenly, the future felt uncertain. They were faced with words no parent is ever truly prepared to hear. Words filled with limitations. Words that tried to define what their child might never become.

Imagine being told your child may never speak.

Imagine being told their path in life will always be restricted.

For many families, that kind of news brings fear, confusion, and even silence.But Michael’s story did not end there. In fact, that was only the beginning.

His mother refused to let those words define her son’s future. Instead of accepting limits, she chose to believe in possibilities. She chose to fight, to learn, and to show up every single day with patience and strength.

The journey was far from easy.

There were long days filled with uncertainty. Moments of doubt. Financial and emotional challenges that many families raising children with autism understand all too well. Access to the right support was not always immediate or simple. Progress did not happen overnight.

But through it all, one thing never changed, belief.

Slowly, step by step, Michael began to grow.

He learned. He adapted. He pushed beyond expectations that once seemed impossible to overcome.

Grateful to share this photo from the ICAN Conference after screening on April 3, 2026, alongside Tyrone, Michael, and Stefano.

This moment reflects exactly why we are building Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael — to champion inclusion, representation, and real opportunities for the autism community.

ICAN Conference 2026 alongside Temple Grandin.

Today, Michael stands as a powerful example of what can happen when a child is given support, love, and the opportunity to grow. He has achieved milestones that once felt out of reach. He has a driver’s license. He is working. He is continuing his education and building a future on his own terms.

His story is real. And it matters.

Who Are We

Tyrone Greenidge (Producer/Writer/Creator)

With a desire to be an advocate for human rights, Tyrone believes if we can save one child, we can change the world. Throughout his path to founding My Three Angels Pictures, he worked and became an advisor for a number of philanthropic organizations looking to promote and expand awareness of their work using film as a medium of expression.

Anthony Carniello (Director/Producer/Writer)

We aim to inspire people on the spectrum to achieve great things and teach others that Autism is not a limitation but a unique strength. The film highlights the importance of Autism awareness, intergenerational wisdom, and self-acceptance, all conveyed through powerful visual storytelling.

Geoff Hart (Writer/Producer)

A writer, story editor, and producer with a 20 year track record in movies, television series, and animation. His credits include: “Devil Seed” (feature), “Secret World of Og” (an adaption of the classic Pierre Berton children’s book on CBC), the MMA fight film “Tapped Out” which stars Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida, and Michael Biehn, sold to Eone and Lionsgate. “Gridlocked” which stars Danny Glover, Trish Stratus, Dominic Purcell, Stephen Lang and Vinnie Jones, sold to Netflix. “Lower Bay” which stars Christopher Lloyd and Rose McGowan. He’s worked alongside noteworthy LA producers (Michele Weisler of the Ring Franchise).

Donna Graham

For over 25 years, Donna has helped those with Autism like Michael and learned more from those she helped in her experience. She believes that when the right opportunities are given, anyone can reach their full potential.

Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael, is a heartfelt short film project dedicated to raising further acceptance and awareness about autism. At the helm of this project stands a young man named Michael Whitell, whose journey of living with autism serves as the cornerstone of our narrative, as he recalls and writes a letter to his deceased grandfather detailing the full life he has enjoyed, his memories with him, and how he is excited about his future. Alongside the producing team from My Three Angels Pictures Inc., Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael, aims to illustrate the triumphs and resilience of Michael’s journey as he steers through the complexities of his life with autism.

Produced with care and dedication by My Three Angels Pictures Inc., this film delves into Michael's life as he pens a letter to you, recounting the joys, challenges, and aspirations that shape his existence. It's a testament to the unwavering support of his mother, Karen, whose steadfast love knows no bounds. Together, they defy expectations and embrace every hurdle with determination and grace.

Director’s Statement- Anthony Carniello

Michael is special, and his story challenges the misconception that individuals on the spectrum can't lead fulfilling lives. At four years old, Michael was told he wouldn’t amount too much because of his autism. Now, at seventeen, he can write a letter to his grandpa in Heaven, detailing how he is living his life to the fullest. This project is profoundly personal to me. Growing up on the spectrum myself, I was told too that I couldn’t have a future or speak out. Seeing Michael’s journey and being part of this film is not just a dream come true, but a reflection on how far I have come.

Through "Dear Grandpa, It's Michael," we aim to inspire people on the spectrum to achieve great things and teach others that autism is not a limitation but a unique strength. The film highlights the importance of autism awareness, intergenerational wisdom, and self-acceptance, all conveyed through powerful visual storytelling.

Why This Campaign Matters

“Empower Autism: Michael’s Story” is not just about one person. It is about changing how the world understands autism.

It is about showing that autism is not a limitation, but a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world.

This project aims to:

Share a real and honest story that people can connect with

Inspire families who are currently facing similar challenges

Create awareness about the realities of autism

Encourage inclusion and opportunities for individuals on the spectrum

For many families, the hardest part is not just the diagnosis. It is what comes after.

Waiting for support.

Struggling to find resources.

Trying to stay hopeful in moments that feel overwhelming.

Michael’s journey shines a light on what is possible when those barriers are overcome.

ENGAGE! EMPOWER! EMPLOY!

86% of the adult autistic community is unemployed, our goal is to hire 30% to 40% of the cast and crew on the spectrum, on each project. We aim to be a leader in inclusion, through mentorship and teaching, to expand our community.

The Impact You Can Make

Supporting this campaign means more than contributing to a film.

It means helping to tell a story that could reach someone who needs it the most.

A parent who is feeling lost.

A child who needs to be seen and understood.

A community that needs to rethink what autism really means.

Your support helps bring visibility, awareness, and opportunity.

It helps ensure that stories like Michael’s are not hidden, but shared.

Because when people see what is possible, something changes.

They begin to believe.

LOCATIONS

SET IN HAMILTON ONTARIO

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Be Part of Something Meaningful

Every contribution, no matter how small, plays a role in making this project a reality.

You are not just donating.

You are supporting hope.

You are helping shift perspectives.

You are giving a voice to stories that deserve to be heard.

Take a moment to be part of something that truly matters.

For more information, follow us on our Website and Social Media links:

Website: deargrandpaitsmichael.com

Instagram: instagram.com/deargrandpaitsmichael

Facebook: facebook.com/deargrandpaitsmichael

X: x.com/DearGrandpaItsM

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/deargrandpaitsmichaelfilm

TikTok: tiktok.com/@manyfacesofautism

MailChimp: mailchmp/84d2f00b27e9/dear-grandpa-its-michael

Thank You

With all this being said, we extend our sincerest gratitude to each and every individual, group, or organization that has shown any kindness and generosity towards our donating efforts in making our short film. Your support and interest in our project is a testament to the passion and strength that is equal to the unique strength of Michael's character. Together, with your help, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of many individuals like Michael and foster a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Warm Regards,

Tyrone Greenidge

My Three Angels Pictures Inc.

69 Albion Falls Blvd.

Hamilton Ontario L8W 1R4

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