We’re so pleased to feature James Orrigo , the winner of our Emerging Leader Award at the 2025 Champions for Children Giraffe Awards Luncheon.
✨ James will be recognized at the 2025 Giraffe Awards Luncheon. Join us for a morning of celebration, community, and joy!
📅 Tuesday, November 18 | 11:00 AM
📍
Maple Hill Farm Inn & Conference Center, Hallowell
🎟 Tickets and sponsorships are available now—tap the link below to snag 'em!
2025 Champions for Children- Sponsorship & Ticket Sales by Maine Children's Alliance
From James’ nomination form:
When kids are battling cancer, they often lose choices, control, and the chance to just be kids due to being too immunocompromised, etc. James Orrigo , a Maine-based filmmaker, specializes in helping kids and teens who are impacted by childhood cancer to get that control back in the most creative way possible, by making them film directors of their own larger-than-life adventures. After James’ mother passed from terminal cancer, he saw the importance of videos, audio recordings, and creative positive distractions, and he applied what he learned from heartache and turned it into passion using God given talents and opportunities.
Through his Big Dreams program with the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, James works with kids and teens in Maine and from around the country who are in hospice, in the hospital, in remission or at home, etc. Via Zoom video calls, where he helps bring their imaginations to real life by helping them create their own animated music videos, custom video games, or large community productions, where he brings their cartoon video to real life!
Each project lets the child call the shots, see their ideas come alive, and be remembered for their imagination, not their illness. James’s work blends art, filmmaking, and compassion to give these kids something cancer can’t take away: their voice, their joy, and their story told in the most unexpected way possible.
How it happened:
https://youtu.be/qqGPPTL7OJw
Full video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw82bdVWtX4&list=PL4IwAU8Mp5GGC7TfrIp4xdKA6ZgmDF6Jn&index=16&t=5s&pp=gAQBiAQB
From MCA -
James Orrigo never imagined his calling would be bringing joy to children with cancer through filmmaking and storytelling. After losing his mother to cancer and surviving his own traumatic brain injury (TBI), James began to realize he had a greater purpose: to turn pain into passion. What began as a meaningful pastime working in the hospital units, helping patients create their own animated music videos and custom video games back in 2015, has since evolved into a full-fledged family service program with the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. James has been supported every step of the way by his wife, Kristin, a former nurse, and together they continue making unforgettable memories for patients and their families around the country.
When asked about some of the most meaningful moments in his career, James recalls working with Aimee, a 15-year-old girl from West Virginia with terminal brain cancer. Together, they created an action-packed short film about a muffin—burnt to a crisp and seeking revenge. Complete with oversized muffin-head costumes, the project quickly came to life. With Aimee’s declining health, James reached out to Emmy award–winning costume designer Marina Toybina , best known for The Masked Singer , Aimee’s favorite show. To his surprise, Marina enthusiastically joined the project, designing key costumes that brought Aimee’s story to life.
Aimee passed away just three days before the date of filming. Heartbroken but determined, James and Aimee’s family decided to move forward with the filming as a celebration of her resilience, faith, humor, and creativity. To James, it was the most “Aimee ” way to deal with grief—telling her story and giving a glimpse into how she wanted to be remembered, a legacy full of silliness, perseverance, and joy.
James often says his ultimate dream is to live in a world where childhood cancer no longer exists, where children’s lives aren’t stolen by illness. He continues to advocate for increased funding for cancer research, emphasizing how vital it is to find a cure.
Over the years, James has collaborated with notable organizations, including Google, the Blue Man Group, Children's Cancer Research Fund, Fast and Furious, and many more. His work has been showcased at film festivals across the United States. He averages five to six larger projects per year and works with nearly forty childhood cancer patients annually. “By creating these projects,” he says, “we can preserve legacies and voices.”
A lifelong lover of Maine, James grew up visiting cabins his grandfather built here. After years of travel with Kristin, the couple realized they couldn’t stay away. In 2020, they settled in York, where they’re now raising their four children. In his spare time, James enjoys being creative and spending time with his family. Most recently, the Orrigos discovered a secret room in their home, which they transformed into a magical play space complete with a Chronicles of Narnia –style wardrobe entrance and several family film productions. When he’s not behind the camera, James loves swimming, hiking, and being outside.
Thank you, James, for all you do for kids and families in Maine and beyond.