A former court reporter, and current amateur photographer, Margo Manaraze-Wagner began her friendship with Gary Murphy simply as a fellow human being. She never intended to photograph him, let alone film him, but as their friendship evolved she began to see that his struggle with FAS overshadowed the rest of his life.

      People had ceased to treat him like a human being, which was not entirely unexpected given his ragged, dirt-caked appearance, but was nevertheless inexcusable. Margo began taking pictures of Gary, hoping that if she portrayed his softer, humorous side, people would treat him with more respect. But when she thought about how powerful and accessible film can be, she decided to give people a more poignant experience, truly showing people what it’s really like to live with FAS.

      FAS causes brain damage that eliminates a person’s ability to connect his or her actions with the consequences. As shown in the film, people with FAS often display compulsive behavior, requiring trained, understanding professionals to work them. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of FAS is that it is entirely preventable. No one has to live with this syndrome, and certainly no one should. And thought many prefer not to discuss such heartbreaking subjects, Margo saw it as an opportunity to re-humanize an individual, and perhaps spark widespread interest in the prevention and treatment of FAS.

      Margo’s favorite part of the film, which shows Gary letting go of all inhibitions and singing with his entire body, is in her words “the epitome of human joy,” a pure moment that almost caused Margo to drop the camera. At times Gary seems to shock people, with his sometimes out-of-control behavior, but also with moments of articulate communication and perceptive comprehension.

      On the subject of forthcoming projects, Margo had to admit that she has no idea what the future will hold. The Gary and the Angels project seems to be taking on a life of its own, and Margo plans to roll with the momentum.

      Ideally, the film would be screened in every school across the country, helping to initiate dialogue and raise awareness among young people. Margo would also like to see the film taken to Congress to get FAS recognized as a serious epidemic, and to get support for prevention and treatment centers nationwide. Margo believes the timing is right, saying, “When something is ready to happen, many people tune into it,” and the response she has gotten from this film have been extremely favorable.

      When asked what one thing she would like to leave her audience with, Margo responded in her earnest, yet humble manner, by saying; “New Mexico truly is the Land of Enchantment-so beautiful, mystical, and special. There is a special feeling and spirituality that you don’t feel in other parts of the country. There is so much beauty in Gallup, and we are truly living cultural integration. And though the problems here are great, they can be overcome. We cannot point fingers-but the consequences of these problems will affect all of us. When citizens become more community minded and the incredible resources in Gallup are harnessed, changes can be made.”

Garrison Lee Murphy
Date of Birth: 10/31/76

May he find comfort ‘til dreams cease
and wakened minds see the brave angel
who donned his mask to walk the Earth.

How our pretty notions of love refine
as we scratch our reactions
to this young man,
born to us on Halloween.