Toronto – April 11, 2013
Producer Kelly Slattery of Therapy Content, in co-operation with the family of Terry Fox and The Terry Fox Foundation (TFF) announce film development rights have been secured for TERRY FOX: THE FEATURE FILM. The film tells the story of 21-year-old amputee Terry Fox, whose cross-Canadian marathon on an artificial leg to raise money for cancer research made him a national hero. This will be the first feature film to donate 100 percent of the profits to cancer research.
Thirty-three years ago, on April 12, 1980, Terry Fox dipped his artificial foot into the Atlantic Ocean off St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, beginning his journey across Canada. His “Marathon of Hope,” a 3,339 mile run, for 143 days, is a heroic feat of athleticism. Just three years earlier, Terry Fox was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer. Following the standard of care for that time, Terry’s right leg was amputated 15 centimeters above his right knee. Before his surgery, Terry read about an amputee who had run the famous New York Marathon and was inspired to embark on his own journey to provide hope and a better chance of survival for millions suffering from cancer.
“It was then I decided to meet this new challenge head on and not only overcome my disability, but conquer it in such a way that I could never look back and say it disabled me.” – Terry Fox
Terry Fox won the hearts of a country and raised millions for cancer research but sadly, after 143 days the marathon came to an abrupt halt. Terry’s cancer had spread to his lungs and he was forced to stop. Terry Fox passed away on June 28, 1981 but his legacy lives on. Through the TFF, the annual Terry Fox “Marathon of Hope” is run across Canada and in 30 countries worldwide, raising over $600-million to date for cancer research.
Kelly Slattery, Therapy Content Producer and a Toronto native, continues Terry’s legacy of hope by bringing the Terry Fox story to film. Slattery’s vision is to use this powerful medium to bring the voice of Terry Fox to global audiences and to donate the film’s profits to cancer research; by purchasing a ticket, audiences can help support cancer research. Film profits will go directly to cancer research managed by the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI).
“We are excited by the opportunities offered in a theatre release to share Terry’s vision and values with a global audience,” says Darrell Fox, brother of Terry and a Marathon of Hope member. “We are very thankful for Kelly’s intentions of generating revenue for cancer research, which go hand and hand with Terry’s Marathon of Hope intentions of reducing the suffering caused by cancer.”
For Slattery, TERRY FOX: THE FEATURE FILM is the realization of a lifelong dream. Her father, an Adidas executive, was the recipient of the letter Terry wrote to secure running shoes. Slattery says, “Terry Fox was a religion in our home; he represented a selflessness rarely seen in the world today.” Slattery helms the non-profit effort, assembling a board of who share the same heart-path including notable individuals in medicine, science, technology, entertainment and professional sports—all of whom have been touched in some way, by cancer.
Producer Kelly Slattery, with Therapy Content and in co-operation with the Terry Fox Foundation, admirably responds to Terry’s plea, “Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.” The feature film is currently in development and is intended for initial release in December 2014.
“In addition to telling Terry’s story, what excites me most about this project is that it will be the first feature film where all of the profits will go directly to cancer research. Terry’s journey has already affected the lives of millions of cancer victims; through this film, it will continue to affect—and save—countless more.” – Producer Kelly Slattery.
About Therapy Content:
Therapy Content is the collective talent and experience of Kelly Slattery, Joe DiSanto, John Ramsay, Doobie White and Wren Waters. Domiciled within Therapy Studios, Therapy Content develops and produces original content ranging from the mind-expanding notions of Ray Kurzweil in ‘Transcendent Man’, to the musical ideology of Dave Grohl in ‘Sound City’. From scripted features to documentary films, Therapy Content is making its mark across all genres. www.therapycontent.tv
About TFF:
The Terry Fox Foundation maintains the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research through the annual Terry Fox Run, Terry’s CAUSE on Campus, National School Run Day and other fundraising initiatives. To date, over $600 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry Fox’s name. The first Terry Fox Run was held in 1981,
with The Terry Fox Foundation being created in 1988. Its national headquarters are located in Chilliwack, BC and it has offices in 9 provinces. www.terryfox.org
About TFRI
Launched in October 2007, The Terry Fox Research Institute is the brainchild of The Terry Fox Foundation and today functions as its research arm, overseeing the full Terry Fox Foundation research investment portfolio. TFRI seeks to improve significantly the outcomes of cancer research for the patient through a highly collaborative, team-oriented, milestone-based approach to research that will enable discoveries to translate quickly into practical solutions for cancer patients worldwide. TFRI collaborates with over 50 cancer hospitals and research organizations across Canada. TFRI headquarters are in Vancouver, BC.
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