7 years. It’s been 7 years since I was diagnosed with Cancer. An event that its influences still ripple to this day. 2024 has been a real year of growth for me. Last year I took a leap of faith. 2024 is all about not crashing out and making a career for myself.
This year I’ve had the opportunity to work on cool shows with some truly amazing people. I took a gamble on love and I’ve never felt more like a winner. I’ve made a living working in an industry I love.
Every year on this day I reflect on why I do what I do. It’s not without hardships but I truly feel like I’m living the dream everyday. Cancer gave me perspective and taught me to value myself and what I call life.
“If you’re not scared of death, how can you value life? And life’s pretty fucking fragile right now.”
Thank you to everyone who I’ve crossed paths with and the influences you’ve had on me. I truly value you all and thank you for having me.
Alex Balant
25 Years Old
Perfectly Fine.
It’s been 6 years since I was diagnosed with Leukaemia. The single most influential event in my life to date. I’m always reminded of it with the scars across my body and they will always be with me. I feel different this time, this is the first year where I’m not feverishly checking my lymph nodes fearing the worst would happen again. This date is a time for me to reflect on my life, see how far I’ve come and the journey still ahead of me.
The last year has been a leap of faith, I quit a job I hated to pursue being a full time freelancer in film and television. I’ve been very fortunate in this new venture to work with and make connections with so many incredible people and I’m very thankful for all the opportunities I’ve been given.
This past year I learned to love myself and feel confident in who I am. I still struggle with imposter syndrome and the fear of not being good enough but I’ve learned to accept that feeling as an opportunity to grow rather than let it stop me from trying.
My path forward is filled with uncertainty, but for the first time there’s a real excitement to the unknown and where it will take me. I’m ready to embrace all of life’s possibilities and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
“Fate only binds you if you let it. Do what is necessary. Not because it is written.”
Thank you to everyone who’s been apart of my personal journey in this thing we call life. You all push me to be the best version of myself and to continue to always try and be better.
5 years ago I was diagnosed with leukaemia and the course of my life changed forever. I remember so vividly the day I was rushed to the emergency room because my lymph node had become so swollen I couldn’t breathe. The average 18 year old doesn’t wake up thinking that today would be their last day on earth. I was scared and didn’t know if my life was over.
From there I started my 2 year treatment of chemotherapy and to this day it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
My life had to be put on pause, my first steps into adulthood were focused solely on my treatment. My body completely changed due to the medications and I didn’t recognize who I was. I was alone and the only thing I could do was focus on getting better. Overtime things slowly started to improve and I was able to begin to find myself again. Eventually I was able to start doing things for myself that didn’t revolve around hospitals, needles and cancer.
I had an obligation to myself to not waste anymore time and live the life that I wanted with no compromises. The last 3 years since having finished chemotherapy have been with no exaggeration the best 3 years of my life. I found what it meant to be alive and what it means to have purpose. I’ve found friendships that will last for the rest of my life. I’ve created art that’s meaningful and I continue to learn everyday what it means to be alive. Cancer gave me perspective and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
To everyone in my life thank you for being there. I appreciate that you have let be apart of your story and that you’re apart of mine. It means more to me than you know. Open your heart to the world, and you will find every reason to keep living in it. Life isn’t easy but that will never stop me from living the best life I possibly can.
“Keep finding something to fight for”
(Sorry I can’t tag everyone here instagram caps it at 20😭)
Our new boy Higgs 💚🥰🐾
In the past week since we picked him up, we’ve learned that he’s a snuggle bug, a crazy hunter, a big talker, super clumsy on his feet and incredibly smart. He’s already changed our lives for the better! We can’t wait to see more of his personality shine.
“Answers” By Whisper Gang
My first music video has finally been released for the world to see. It was such a privilege to be given this opportunity to bring this video to life. I’m so thankful to the entire band for putting their trust in me and letting me run with my crazy ideas.
The entire video was shot on my iPhone 15 Pro Max. A challenge I placed on myself after being consistently inspired with how far the iPhone has come in terms of being a viable camera for “serious” cinematography. I wanted to push this camera that I carry with me everyday as far as I could. I’ve been quite surprised and pleased at the images I’ve been able to create and the creative ways to use a camera with such a small footprint.
It’ll never replace a true cinema camera but instead becomes another tool to be used, to understand the capabilities of, and to master.
ENJOY some frames from the video, a little bit of BTS, and the initial inspiration/first shot I came up with for the video.
Thank you for your time and enjoy Answers
now available on YouTube and your usual music streaming services.
July 8 2019
Our many trips to Austin Texas always meant the world to me. You were ready to move heaven and earth to support me. Wherever you are now, l hope the beaches are nice there.
I love you Mom. Rest In Peace
DRAG BRUNCH SAVED MY LIFE - What a freaking experience it was to work on this show. 4 months of my life on my first reality tv show and I had the time of my life. It’s not lost on me that this show is without a doubt the biggest thing I’ve worked on to date in terms of people seeing it. I’m so honoured to be apart of this journey. Priyanka is not only an incredible performer and hilarious but also just an amazing person who took the time to get to know and talk to the entire crew.
I’m incredibly grateful to the entire camera team on this one. Y’all are absolute rockstars and thank you for having me and letting me learn from you. Can’t wait to work with you all in the future.
Go watch all of Season 1 now on @cravecanada
Enjoy the photo dump. :^)
