Keepin It Cali: Travel Tuesday

Travel Tuesday: Behind the Scenes #1in700 Denver Pt. 2

With so much excitement surrounding the #1in700 movement, it's a bit hard to catch up! Nonetheless, it's been a beautiful feeling watching it flourish and seeing all these new warriors making themselves known. The love and sense of fellowship that this project fills me with, lies in a realm of it's own.

If you didn't get a chance to see my initial post "Behind the Scenes: Denver Pt.1" make sure you check that out & fill yourself in! Even though I wasn't able to make it back to Denver for the "Dash for Smiles" run event, you better believe Zack has all the content you need.

In addition to the "behind the scenes" photos, you can also check out the news interviews with Zack and a few familiar faces, discussing #1in700 for Denver's Channel 9 News as well as LA's very on CBS.

Enjoy!

ISSAC

Jamie Bell

Carter

Jamie Peachey

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, by Str8Calistyle

1in700

Travel Tuesday: Behind The Scenes #1in700 Denver Pt. 1

I was recently given the honor of working with a great friend, on a beautiful project. He's currently in the beginning stages of creating a photo book compiled of people with cleft-lip &/or cleft-pallet. He began shooting his first entries for '1in700' here in Los Angeles, before he decided that Denver would be the next stop. Fortunately, I was able to tag along and help capture some amazing behind the scenes footage.

Not only has this project moved me in ways I can't describe, it has further educated me beyond what I little I already knew. I am 100% supportive & dedicated to helping bring light to something that isn't as taboo or uncommon as most people think. Did you know that approximately 1 in 700 babies are born with cleft worldwide? Did you also know that there has yet to be a confirmed genetic reason that causes this abnormality. This is beyond a third-world country epidemic, lack of nutrients, or neglectful pregnancies, everyday children everywhere are born with this genetic anomaly. The most important factor to understand is that "it just happens".

Aren't we all different in some way, shape, or form? There are absolutely no two people who are the same, even identical twins have something that separates them as individuals. No matter where you were born, what you look like, or who you love, nothing should stop you from living your life fearlessly. Loving yourself is a lesson that i'm sure at some point, we all had to learn. From some people, it comes more naturally & for others including myself, it takes time and alot of effort to change the way I thought about myself. Now imagine having to learn that lesson with a visible reminder, showing you everyday that you're different. If you ask me now.. being different is COOL! The problem about being yourself and staying original as a child, is not only the fact that they're more susceptible to believe what the other children and adults tell them about themselves without question; but the media & overall outside influence only confirms & makes it harder. This is why 1in700 is so dear to my heart; we get to celebrate beautiful people & their great stories from around the world. Our mission is to raise awareness for a cause in-which we hope to further help educate others & make creating a dialogue easier for everyone involved.

Denver couldn't have been a better kick-off to this project. Not only was I super excited to explore a new place i've never been, I was even more excited to meet all of these great people we had lined up. I had no idea what we were walking into, but when I was told the interview slots were filled up in less than 24 hours, I was beside myself. It made me so happy to know that even though we had never been to this place or met anyone, these people were more than willing to be apart of this journey with us. We stayed at the amazing Castle Marne -Bed & Breakfast in the Capitol Hill area. Not only was the experience to-die for, but everyone who worked behind the scenes (owners & others) were so accommodating to our project. We even had the local Channel 9 news make there way over, to do a feature on Zack & the project as well as the first Denver feature and 1in700 team-member Michelle Tonnachio and her precious babygirl Willow. During the next few days, I had the honor of meeting the most joyous, enlightening, and dedicated parents & kids. I met strong & admirable mothers & fathers who gave you no question about what unconditional love entails; children who wear smiles bigger than you can put in a frame. All of this, emanating from people who have or are currently dealing with some type of fight on a daily basis... just like the rest of us.

#WEREALLINTHISTOGETHER

Head over to 1in700.com to check out the official entry photos & to read more about each of the illuminating smiles behind them!

Until then, check out these 'behind the scenes' photos our our Denver round-up.

Willow

Joshua & Ezekiel

Berg & Grady

Carson & Jon Jon

Stay tuned for part 2!

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, by Str8Calistyle

Adventure

Spring Break Pt 2: A Small Bite Out Of The Big Apple

Did you guys get a chance to check out Pt 1: Welcome To Miami? If not, you might wanna head over & enjoy that adventure first, before you get buried knee deep in this one! Just sayin... haha

Can I just say WOW!? Everyone & their mother knew that I was going to love New York, but I didn't think I would actually be so intoxicating. The moment I stepped off of the airplane, I knew I was going to have an amazing time. I managed to maneuver my way through the trains, in order to get to my Airbnb located in East Williamsburg. I won't even get into how confusing the whole borough/city situation gets, but from what I do know, that where I was staying is considered near Bushwick & in Brooklyn.

Not only is the area covered in eye catching murals, from what the locals tell me, it's an up & coming little hipster town. (Don't shoot the messenger ;-) There were tons of variety in food as well as Coffee/Bar options. I pretty much stared in awe at everything from the art to the brownstone homes, as I rolled my way down the streets with my luggage. (Next time, you bet I'll either pack lighter, or get an Uber.)

Once I settled into my AirBnB, it didn't take long for me to get acquainted with the host & start soaking up suggestions. I headed out & never looked back. Pretty much, everyday I was on adventure from Dusk til Dawn. I ate great food, met up with old friends, and walked a million miles. I swear I fit in perfectly, except for the fact that I definitely do not walk at a New York pace.