By Dan Lukasik 

An extraordinary friendship—and the unexpected healing that grew from it—is at the heart of a new documentary called Travels With George: A Journey Through Depression, Connection, and Friendship. It will be screened on Tuesday, April 14, at 6 p.m. at the Montante Cultural Center on the Canisius University campus, 2001 Main St in Buffalo.  

This is my story about me and 19-year-old George Tillmon. What started as mentoring when we met at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy 10 years ago has grown into a lifelong friendship. Despite the differences in background, age, and life experience, our bond demonstrates the transformative power of connection, trust, and mutual support. While helping him navigate the challenges of youth and adolescence, I found unexpected healing from my own battle with depression. 

People who have met George and me sometimes say, ‘It’s so wonderful everything you do for him,’ and I usually correct them, saying, ‘The truth is, it’s wonderful everything George does for me.’ 

The 18-minute documentary was created in collaboration with Compeer Buffalo, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing loneliness and strengthening mental well-being through meaningful friendships. 

Spectrum Health and Human Services is proud to organize this special community event. Admission is free, and reservations are encouraged. WKBW is serving as media sponsor, and WKBW’s Eileen Buckley will moderate a post-screening panel discussion featuring the filmmaker, Mark Anthony Dellas; Spectrum Health’s Malene White and Yassin Abdikadir; and Cheri Alvarez, CEO of Compeer. 

Join us for an evening that celebrates the life-changing power of connection. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3wydm7h3 to reserve your place. 

Dan Lukasik is a lawyer, mental health advocate, and creator of The Buffalo Depression Project website.