Tony Luna Creative- Update- 2/23/2026
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(Image supplied by Tony dizinno-2026)
Editor’s Note: Tony DiZinno has been a member of our creative community since the beginning. Besides his many creative contributions as a photographer, director, and educator, he has worked within many philanthropic endeavors over the years and now he needs our assistance to continue his very necessary compassion driven work. Please read his compelling story and help him out to the best of your ability by going to his GoFundMe account. Thank you.
-Tony Luna
https://gofund.me/0b19c223e
Calling all Angels.
Earlier this month, my family and I experienced a hammer blow.
We lost my youngest brother Nick to a very brave year long battle with stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. It changed the shape of our lives. One blessing for me personally looking back, was I had the honor to be at his bedside in the time leading up until the very end.
In the time leading up to his departure someone quite close to me asked reflectively,
"Tony, ... What would you do if diagnosed with a terminal illness?"
After meditating and praying on it, ... an answer did eventually come back. Working with horses in order to help as many others as possible heal from their trauma(s).
In early 2015 I had first seen healing with horses ritual performed at a native gathering of the tribes in the Black Hills of South Dakota with the Lakota people. The True Human Beings made an impression on my head and heart in these moments that I shall never forget.
For the last six years I have volunteered and worked as both a barn hand and a groom at several non-profits who rescue horses. This led to my love affair with these magnificent creatures - especially the Mustangs who are so adept at connecting.
The highest form of training in Equine Assisted Learning is known as EAGALA certification. There is a course being offered this May 2026, at the REINS | 501(c)(3) non-profit Therapeutic Riding Program where I have recently been initiated as a new volunteer.
The money raised with this GoFundMe drive would go a long way to cover the tuition, travel and all additional expenses, for this week long event, on May 6th-10th, 2026.
https://gofund.me/0b19c223e
The bottom line for me is that in dealing with our grief, I have come to realize that we all have our own way to deal with sadness and loss. My objective here today is to honor my brother Nick, who himself was the gentlest of souls, by being of service to others in this way.
It may seem a bit of a divergence for me as a professor at university teaching in Film and Photojournalism, but the way I look at it now it folds neatly into the two previous books I have helped edit and ghostwrite that deal head on with PTSD, suicide and sexual abuse issues.
That’s really the center of all this.
Equine Therapy has shown to be brilliant as a treatment for healing when veterans who do not find recovery by traditional psychotherapy means often find real transformation in this equine space.
In point of fact, it is because the nature of this experience is immersive and largely non-verbal the horses have an uncanny ability to see into the clients story without it ever being articulated.
If you have ever witnessed this kind of Equine assisted learning or therapy before you know there is a phenomenal connection which can resonate with each participant.
Over the last few years I have taken tuition in horsemandship from some of the best master instructors in the field, like Sam Van Fleet and Chris Cox whose elegant gentle approach defines their ethos.
As part of my continuing education I feel it is something I can proudly devote myself to - on a healing path where the unthinkable loss of my brother requires that I heal myself and others as well.
The dream is to be a certified equine expert, to develop working relationships with other mental health professionals, to team up as a professional practice in this space for all those who suffer psychic scars which we understand are largely invisible to the naked eye.
2026 is the Year of the Horse (specifically the Fire Horse which comes once every 60 years) symbolizes a fast-paced, and transformative year characterized by freedom, energy, and rapid progress.
Grateful in service,
Yours,
TDZ
https://gofund.me/0b19c223e
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Best.
Tony
Tony Luna Creative
A Creative Consultancy
819 North Bel Aire Drive
Burbank, CA 91501
Home office: 818-515-4103
Email: tony@tonylunacreative.com
http://www.tonylunacreative.com
http://www.tonylunacreative.com/blog
Adjunct Professor, Senior Faculty: Art Center College of Design
Author: "How to Grow as a Photographer: Reinventing Your Career" Allworth Press and
"Mastering the Business of Photography: What the Pros Do When They Are Not Taking Incredible Photos" Skyhorse/Allworth Press
Providing support, inspiration and networking for mid-career creative professionals
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