Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS

Incredible Woman, a Hero and an Amazing Service Dog to be Featured in Movie

By StudentFilmmakers.com
posted Jul 29, 2011, 09:05

Nonprofit organization raises awareness for debilitating disease and animal rescue.

(Vail, CO) Dr. Diane Dike and her service dog, Gracie, found each other through the most debilitating circumstances, and now an award-winning film producer wants to tell their story.

This month Dike joined with award-winning producer/director Darla Rae of Film-It Productions in Denver to make “Diane’s Song,” a movie designed to raise awareness for Diane’s life-threatening disease and bring hope and inspiration to viewers worldwide. Rae is well known for producing films that uplift, encourage, motivate and inspire.

“Our goal is to encourage all to overcome their challenges with faith, hope and love,” said Dike, who was diagnosed at age 23 with cryoglobulinemia vasculitis, a rare and incurable autoimmune disease that causes the blood to turn to sludge in times of stress, if she stands or sits with her feet hanging down, and in cold temperatures.

In the course of overcoming her circumstances, Dike sought to comfort a broken Italian Greyhound that she adopted and named, “Gracie.” The tiny puppy had no home and needed surgery for two broken legs, broken ribs and a ripped off tail. It wasn’t long before Gracie rescued Diane right back, and she’s been saving her daily ever since. Snuggling Gracie keeps Diane’s blood warm and freely flowing, thus keeping her alive.

Both were once homeless, hopeless and facing serious physical, mental and emotional challenges. Both persevered to overcome their daunting circumstances and discovered life was very much worth living.

“We rescued each other,” Dike said. “We each got a second chance.”

Out of their experience came the formation of Second Chance with Saving Grace, a nonprofit organization that reaches out to people and animals who are hurting through a variety of books, informative websites, presentations and engagements (including an appearance on Oprah’s OWN Mystery Diagnosis, "The Woman Whose Legs Turned Black"), prayer, and handing out Love Kits to those who need a little hope in their lives. For more information about the ministry, visit the Second Chance with Saving Grace website listed below.

There is much more to Dike’s story, and “Diane’s Song,” a modern-day Cinderella tale with a twist, will reveal this extraordinary tale of a woman, a dog and a hero who didn’t give up.

“We were waiting for an amazing story to create our next movie, and when I met Diane on Facebook, I knew we’d found it," Rae said. "Her life is a living testimony of what God can do with a life fully surrendered to Him.”

The movie will be filmed in Colorado, and will especially feature businesses in the Eagle County area where Dike resides with her hero husband, Paul, and, of course, Gracie.

Film-It Productions is coming to town Thursday, July 28 to review the area for filming locations and to speak to supporters about this incredible project and opportunity. Rae is raising the $500,000 needed to produce the film through Crowd Funding, a fiscal sponsorship allowing everyone to donate, sponsor, or be involved at many levels to see this brilliant family film brought to fruition. An account has been set up at FirstBank under Second Chance, “Diane’s Song” movie fund. Other ways to donate as well as advertising and product placement opportunities are listed on the SCwSG website. All donations are tax-deductible.

 

Resources:

www.film-itproductions.com

www.dianedike.org