JOSH SANTAMARIA LIGHTING FUND

The Josh fund benefits all things lighting: Film, Stage, and Design. Looking for ways to support anyone who dares to manipulate the lights in the ATL.

ABOUT JOSH - 1985-2018
The youngest of three brothers, raised by a loving single mom, Conan Joshua Santamaria grew up fast in Marietta (Scarrietta) Ga. He loved Soccer, Lacrosse, and as a musician won a National Championship with the Lassiter Highschool marching band. He loved the under dog, lived by the simple rule of "don't be a dick", and was a spiritually centered person.

After obtaining a lighting degree at Georgia College and State University he heard the ATL calling as the Hollywood boon gripped the city. Conan worked his way from PA to Lighting Tech in the studios of Turner Broadcasting. From NBA TV to Turner Classic Movies Conan brought his laid-back style and persistent work ethic. While Josh blossomed at Turner he rooted himself at Dad’s Garage, falling in love with theatre all over again. After a year-long battle with Lung Cancer Conan died February 10th 2018 leaving behind two nephews and two nieces at the age of 32 . In Conan’s final year not a day didn’t go by when he was healthy that he’d make his way back to Dad’s and Turner Studios to design with lights. Only Conan never regarded it as work, lighting was his love.

Conan hopes to help you out in finding what it is you love to do so that you may truly live every day.

Next time you’re on a stage or film set look up into the lights and Conan’s Legend burns bright.


BACK STORY

In Mid March 2017 Josh was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer which has aggressively attacked his lungs, bones, and lymph nodes. He's got an amazing support team lead by his mother and thoughts/prayers are pouring in from everywhere. His next steps are to complete his testing and screening to determine if chemo and or immunotherapy is best for him. Josh is undergoing five sessions of radiation to target three tiny areas in his bones. He is currently insured and is a freelance lighting designer. As of late Josh has not been able to work. He has savings and will be dipping into it to cover major bills. We appreciate everyone who is taking the time to read his story

Josh is 31 no one saw this coming. He was preoccupied with doing what he loved, lighting for television sets at Turner Studios, being a kick ass uncle and creating laughter with the Improv characters at Dad's Garage. The one thing Josh misses most is walking his Labradoodle Meriweather and spending time with his life long buddy Titus, a cat Josh adopted when he was 18.

We as a family thank you for your donation that will help Josh cover his insurance deductible and light living expenses. While monetary support is impactful so is the human connection. If you would like to send Josh a note, bring by dinner, tell him a joke or maybe just walk Merriweather, please let us know. Josh is also a diabetic so; please cook accordingly if you opt to bring him a meal.

We will continue to keep everyone posted as tests come in, and a direction in treatment is chosen.