Short film honors the life of Aimee Baker
By Stephen Baldwin, RealWV
Aimee Baker of Union, WV, was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer as a teenager. While she knew there was no cure and no treatment, she refused to stop living her life.
Big Dreams
“Aimee became involved with an organization called Children’s Cancer Research Fund back in the early spring of 2024,” her mom, Korie, remembers. “We were introduced to an amazing man with immeasurable energy and compassion for bringing joy to children fighting cancer. His name is James Orrigo of Big Dreams Productions.“
Orrigo partners with childhood cancer patients across the United States to make their creative dreams come true.
“She wanted to create an animated music video about muffins versus cupcakes,” he recalls. “The absurd amount of silliness that took place was exactly what was needed. When families are going through such difficult times, these creative outlets and positive distractions are so valuable.”
So Orrigo and his team, including seven-time Emmy winner Marina Toybina, put a plan in motion to bring Aimee’s creative vision to life.
“We teamed up with the Omni Homestead Resort and Spa for the most wonderful filming experience planned for Aimee,” he says. “We were all set to film with Aimee as the star but, unfortunately, she passed away three days before the day of filming.”
“We were hurting so badly, but we knew we had to go for Aimee,” Korie recalls. “She would want us to continue. And, what a blessing it was! They were sent from God to comfort us. This movie is a tribute to Aimee and her love for others. Aimee would have giggled and laughed so hard!”
“Sweet Revenge”
The short film, shot in a single day at the world-renowned Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, VA, premiered for the public just before Christmas. The full film, including Aimee’s video chats with James and his team, are below.
Lynn Swann, Director of Marketing & Communications for The Omni Homestead, told RealWV it was a rewarding experience to play a part in preserving Aimee’s legacy.
“We were honored to be the setting for the filming and the premiere of Aimee’s video. While we never had the opportunity to meet Aimee, we were fortunate to see a glimpse of her creative imagination and incredible sense of humor.”
Swann adds that the video showcases well-known sites from across the resort’s property including Martha’s Market, the Great Hall, Old Course Pavilion, and Warm Springs Pools.
“Three of our associates were in the cast,” she says. “Pastry chef Valeria Laureano was the chef who burned the muffins while Allison Corona Del Cid and Madyson Walker played the evil henchmen. They had a great time filming and we’ve all been blown away by the final video!”
Raising money for child cancer research
Korie hopes her daughter’s resolve will inspire others facing hard times.
“Aimee had depressing times, but she didn’t live there,” she says. “She loved hard. She loved her family, her church family, her medical teams, her dog (Pippa), her chickens, and living on the family farm in Monroe County where she now has been laid to rest. She loved her community and being an honorary member of the Union Volunteer Fire Department.”
Knowing other families face situations similar to theirs with Aimee, Korie shares this advice.
“Cherish your time with your children,” she says. “All cancers have a different path. Choose what is right for you and your child. The most important thing is to keep the Lord first in your lives. When she was fighting cancer, she said that if only one person came to know Christ through her cancer, it would be worth it all.”
James Orrigo and his team came to The Omni Homestead and the town of Union in late December to premier the short film for Aimee’s friends and family.
The theater was filled with tears and laughter throughout the showing,” he says. “The movie is being used as a fundraiser for childhood brain cancer research with the Children’s Cancer Research Fund in honor of Aimee. Our hope is that we can honor Aimee and help her to accomplish her goal of helping other kids like her.”
Korie says that childhood cancer only receives a fraction of research dollars, particularly for childhood brain cancer such as what Aimee faced. “Aimee was a giver of love to anyone and everyone and she would have loved to know that her ideas will help raise funding for much needed research.”
“When she lost the use of her left side from the cancer, the only complaint she had was that she didn’t have two good arms to hug people with,” Korie remembers. “Aimee claimed she was the best hugger in the world.”
The new short film she inspired comforts the southern West Virginia community she called home.
If you would like to donate in honor of Aimee, visit this page of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund.
