The Lee Lucas Story
The Lee Lucas Story revolves around the tragic loss of Lee Lucas to a heroin overdose in 2016 and his family's ongoing efforts to honor his memory while raising awareness about addiction and overdose. His father, Dean, channels his grief into activism by organizing the annual Lee Lucas Memorial Poker Run, a motorcycle event that raises funds for addiction recovery facilities and combats the stigma surrounding substance abuse.
The event has grown significantly over the years, bringing the community together, raising substantial funds, and increasing awareness about the challenges addicts face, including barriers to accessing treatment. Lee’s story highlights systemic issues in addiction recovery, such as limited facility capacity and the struggles of detoxing without adequate support.
The story also celebrates the impact of initiatives like Father Tracy's center, which provides crucial resources for addicts and homeless individuals. A part of the center has been named in Lee's honor, further cementing his legacy. Dean and his family are committed to saving lives by fostering understanding, reducing stigma, and supporting recovery initiatives. The overarching message is one of resilience, community solidarity, and hope for a future where fewer families endure similar tragedies.
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Emily CarpenterDirector
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Emily CarpenterProducer
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Dean LucasKey Cast
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Kyleigh LucasKey Cast
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Julie MyersKey Cast
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Mark "Eyeballs" HallKey Cast
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Johannes BockwoldtVideographers
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Paul TracyVideographers
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Nathan SorrentinoVideographers
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Daniel GrothDrone Videographer
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Dan BurgeProduction Assistants
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Daniel MaggioEditor
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Project Type:Documentary, Short
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Runtime:11 minutes 27 seconds
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Completion Date:November 7, 2024
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Production Budget:4,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States, United States
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Country of Filming:United States, United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
Storytelling has always been at the heart of Emily Carpenter’s work. She got her start in high school, studying photography and videography while also DJing on the school’s radio station. Early on, she was introduced to the magic of technology by her mentor, Dan Reardon, whose guidance helped shape her path. Dan has been a steadfast supporter of this film, encouraging Emily to submit it to the Rochester International Film Festival and even covering the entry fee.
Since then, Emily has worn many hats—guest expert on Good Day Rochester for six years, podcaster, blogger, website designer, and interviewer for her annual worldwide aromatherapy summit, where she has conducted over 100 interviews. She has also been a part of the Rochester International Film Festival for years, managing their website and supporting the local film community.
With The Lee Lucas Story, Emily steps fully into documentary filmmaking—this time, not just as a storyteller, but as someone deeply connected to the message behind the film. This project is a labor of love, created without compensation and driven by her respect for Lee's father, Dean, who has become a friend over the years. The film explores the devastating impact of addiction and the incredible resilience of a family turning grief into action. Through Dean’s efforts, the annual Lee Lucas Memorial Poker Run has grown into a powerful force for change, raising awareness and funding for addiction recovery initiatives.
By telling The Lee Lucas Story in film, Emily hopes to reach more people in order to keep Lee's name alive, shed light on the struggles of addiction and recovery, and inspire hope through the strength of community and advocacy.