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A partnership of compassion

The doctor and the producer gave up their way of life to help the poor; the producer's new film is about the doctor.

By ALEXANDRA ZAYAS
Published November 12, 2005

TAMPA - There was no burning bush. No angel swooped down from the sky. But some are calling The Patients of a Saint, a movie premiering in Centro Ybor this afternoon, the result of a little 21st century divine inspiration.

Producer Gerard Straub was in California when he read a magazine article about a Tampa doctor who dropped everything to treat sick and destitute children for free in the foothills of the Andes mountains near Lima, Peru.

Dr. Anthony Lazzara Jr. was taking a rare late night break in Peru, reading a book about St. Francis of Assisi, the 12th century saint who lived in poverty to minister to the poor. It was written by a producer who became disillusioned by the showbiz rat race and dropped fame and fortune to document the plight of the poor.

Assisi was Lazzara's hero; Assisi was Straub's hero.

The phone rang.

"He answered the phone rather late at night," Straub said. "I said to him, "My name is Gerry Straub. I'm calling from Hollywood.' He said, "Hi, Gerry. I'm reading your book right now.' "

About a year later, Straub made it to Peru to meet Lazzara in person.

He arrived at Lazzara's center for children, Villa la Paz, with a camera and $300 to his name. The one-time director of daytime network soap operas spent 16 days in the cramped clinic that housed 51 children with tuberculosis, malnutrition, chronic diarrhea, leukemia and cleft palates.

"The first day was so overwhelming," Straub said. "It was very difficult emotionally. I've seen a lot of hard things, but to see so many kids with so many problems was daunting, to put it mildly. Eventually, in time, I disappeared a little. They got used to the camera, and I could really document their lives."

The longer he stayed, the lonmore he grew in admiration of Lazzara, whom he called one of the most extraordinary human beings he's ever met.

"Not only does he care for them and provide them medical help, but he just creates this environment of love," Straub said. "The kids all help each other, look after each other. It's actually a family."

By the end of the filming, Straub didn't want to leave. But he knew he needed to make the film to help Lazzara help the kids.

"This film will raise a lot of money for Dr. Tony. It's the best thing I think I've ever done," Straub said. "These kids are just a heartbreaking story. When you watch this film, you'll become emotionally connected to Dr. Tony and the kids. I don't see how anyone could watch this and not want to give him a little something."

The film's profits will benefit Villa la Paz, or "Home of Peace," but Lazzara hopes its impact will reach further.

"I'm just hoping that this film will sensitize people in this country to the plight of the poor," Lazzara said.

So how does Straub fund his productions? Much like St. Francis, Straub begs.

He established the San Damiano Foundation, named after the birthplace of the Franciscan movement of nonviolence, concern for the poor and social justice. He's made his films and put a roof over his head solely through donations to the nonprofit foundation.

In the past decade, Straub has traveled to India, Kenya, Brazil, the Philippines, Jamaica and Mexico to shed light on global poverty.

Financially, Straub said, he lives day to day, handout to handout. Early this year, he was in danger of losing his North Hollywood home. But the man who once wore designer shoes is still determined to follow St. Francis' footsteps, even if it means doing it barefoot.

"I used to be at home in Beverly Hills. Now, Beverly Hills means nothing to me," Straub said. "I'd rather be in some slum with real people doing this than anywhere else. Real life is in these massive slums."

Alexandra Zayas can be reached at 813 226-3354 or at azayas@sptimes.com

"The Patients of a Saint"

Muvico Centro Ybor Theatres, 4 p.m. today. Tickets are $100 and include a postshow dinner at the Italian Club.

Funds will benefit Villa La Paz.

To help Villa La Paz, call 1-800-98-LA PAZ or visit www.villalapazfoundation.org To help th e San Damiano Foundation, call 818 563-1947 or visit www.sandamianofoundation.org Both organizations have copies of the film available for purchase.

[Last modified November 12, 2005, 00:54:17]