UNION W.Va. (WVDN) – The family of Aimee Baker would like to cordially invite the public to a special movie night on Friday, Sept. 19, in Union. They encourage anyone, especially families, to come enjoy a night of silliness, joy, heroic muffins, and evil cupcakes. Evil cupcakes, you say? Well, let’s start from the beginning for a short backstory…
First of all, who is Aimee Baker? Aimee was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2021 and after brain surgeries, chemos, radiation, and immunotherapy, the family was told that her cancer was rare, aggressive and untreatable. From that day on, Aimee and the family lived day by day not knowing when her last would be.
During that time, Aimee was introduced to the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. A non-profit organization that raises money to fund research for childhood cancer. (Side note: did you know that only 4% of government funds for cancer goes to childhood cancer…and only a small fraction of that goes to brain cancer research? Children are also using the same chemotherapies from the 1970s.) Children’s Cancer Research Fund also helps families to encourage them on their arduous journeys. These journeys are difficult, discouraging, painful emotionally and physically, and, very often, lonely.
Here is where James Origgo comes in.
James is a motivational speaker and multimedia specialist with a heart as big as the sun. James works with children fighting with cancer to bring some joy and fun into their lives.
In May of 2024, James, via Zoom, worked with Aimee to build her own video game complete with a silly song with Aimee singing. Aimee’s sense of humor decided that she wanted a game with muffins and a villainous cupcake. If anyone knew Aimee, that was her fashion. She was always quirky and different. We loved it. And so did James and the Research Fund.
Later that summer, James said that he wanted to take Aimee’s game further. He wanted to make it into a short film. Aimee’s favorite show was the Masked Singer. The show has celebrities sing while hidden behind beautifully elaborate costumes. Judges have to determine who is behind the masks.
James, miraculously, was able to get in touch with the award-winning designer of the masks, Marina Toybina. Marina, a seven time Emmy Award winner, has designed costumes and clothing for many stars including: Taylor Swift, Pink, Usher, dancers for the 2015 Super Bowl Half-Time Show, etc. When James told Marina of Aimee and her story, she fell in love with her. She wanted her team to design the masks for the movie!
James, a whirlwind in his own right, was working on different ideas and people to get things rolling. James was given permission by The Omni Hotel and Spa in Hot Springs, Virginia, to shoot the film on the premises. Shooting was to take place on October 15.
At this point, Aimee was back in hospice care and her tumor was growing rapidly. Everything needed to be expedited. The masks that usually take months to prepare were prioritized and rushed to be ready in three weeks. Aimee was supposed to play the role of “Alice the Baker” in the film. Everything was coming together. Unfortunately, the Lord and Aimee had other plans.
In the early morning hours of October 12, 2024, 3 days before shooting the film, Aimee passed away peacefully at Peyton House in Lewisburg. James and his family were driving to Virginia from their home in Maine to film when they received the news.
To honor Aimee, James and his crew, family, and staff of the Omni wanted to continue with the film. Aimee’s family reached out and wanted to know if the show was still on and James offered for them to come and be a part of it. Of course they did! And guess who played the villain Maxwell…Ean Baker, Aimee’s brother. He had already done the voice on the video game. So, why not act in the film?
And so, only three days after Aimee’s passing, everyone gathered together during a difficult time to bring Aimee’s visions of joy and silliness to the screen. What a purely wondrous time for everyone.
Lynn Swann, Director of Marketing and Communications at The Omni Homestead Resort, and her staff made everyone feel at home and was a true blessing throughout this experience.
The movie was filmed and edited by James. The Omni hosted a premiere event for the family and friends of Aimee in December. The film was a beautiful representation of Aimee and her sense of humor.
James states, “’Sweet Revenge’ was accepted into the Lift Off Global Network Film Festival – already a huge accomplishment among many submissions. From there, Aimee’s film was showcased at theaters and events across the U.S. Audiences voted, and the Jury of judges ultimately awarded her the Jury’s Selection Award. Her video continues to be shown nationwide, raising awareness for childhood cancer in the most Aimee way possible.” James is also now working on making the movie into a musical using the masks donated from Toybina.
So save the date. Aimee’s movie is being shown all over the United States. Now, it is being brought to Union!
The Sparks Family has generously donated their space on Main Street to host the event. The event will be free, but there will be some homemade refreshments (Nanny’s Bakery cinnamon rolls!) for sale, and the family will be accepting donations to go toward the Children’s Cancer Research Fund and to another child in the community fighting cancer/disease.
When: Friday, September 19
Where: Former Monroe Motors Showroom, Main Street, Union
Time: 7-8:30 P.M.
The film is only 20 minutes long. Organizers will have showings at 7:10 P.M., 7:40 P.M., and 8:10 P.M. with 10 minute breaks in between showings. Everyone is welcome to come and go as they please.
Parking is available for free along Main Street and is handicap accessible.
Please come out and show your support for these young cancer warriors!
Feel free to contact Korie Baker (Aimee’s momma) at 304-994-1627 or thebakerfamily6@frontier.com with any questions.
Korie said they are “Looking forward to seeing everyone there!!!”
