Support ADAPTED The Film!
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We invite you to be a part of our journey as we enter the next phase of our film production. Over the last seven years we have raised over $350k from supporters like you to develop, film, and produce an inspiring 90-minute documentary that illustrates positive ways for people new to spinal cord injuries to reconnect with nature.
We are now beginning outreach to raise money for our impact campaign, which will support a small grassroots marketing team dedicated to getting this film out to the world. Our goal is to distribute this film to the hundreds of adaptive sports chapters and spinal cord rehabilitation centers across the country and beyond.
As we assemble dedicated partners across the United States, Great Britain, France, Australia, and more - our team will coordinate and market local screenings with regional adaptive sports chapters, disability organizations, and spinal cord rehabilitation centers. We will lean into the power of local communities to reach the millions of wheelchair users around the world. Additional funds will go toward a robust film festival tour, harnessing the independent film community and inspiring people of all abilities to remember the importance of our connection to nature.
Every dollar donated here is tax-deductible and will help get us get this film further out to the world. Please consider employer match programs to make the most of your contribution. We also accept stock donations. For more info, email [email protected]. Share this project with your friends, family, on social media, and to anyone you'd like to bring along this journey.
ABOUT THE FILM
ADAPTED is an inspiring adventure documentary that follows the journeys of three outdoor enthusiasts who, after sustaining traumatic spinal cord injuries, are determined to reclaim their passion for nature in bold new ways. Bound to wheelchairs but driven by unbreakable willpower, each individual embarks on a daring and personal adventure with the hope of finding new ways to access places that make them feel most alive, while push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Anna Soens aims to become the first paraplegic athlete to summit Mount Baker, a towering 10,781-foot glaciated volcano in Washington State. Josh Hancock leads a custom adaptive raft down the wild, scenic Salmon River in Idaho. Danielle Doelling takes on the ultimate test of endurance, attempting to hand-cycle 87 miles across the rugged terrain of Canyonlands National Park, Utah.
While the pursuit of adventure is their shared goal, each of their stories reveals a deeper journey—one of resilience, self-discovery, and post-traumatic growth. Through moments of triumph and challenge, Adapted celebrates the incredible capacity of the human spirit to find purpose and forge new horizons, even after life-altering setbacks.
OUR MISSION
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Provide a resource for individuals new to spinal cord injuries that shows different ways to access nature from a wheelchair
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Educate the general public about different types of paralysis
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Promote diversity and inclusion in the outdoors
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Advocate for public lands by illustrating their vital importance to our health and wellbeing
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Recognize the adaptive community, organizations, and individuals who help people access the outdoors, regardless of ability
FUNDRAISING TO-DATE
Small Business / Non-profit Sponsors - $28,000
2020 Crowdfunding Campaign - $45,000
Additional Individual Donations - $67,800
Step Forward Films Investment - $150,000
Livin' Wheel Life Investment - $65,000
Total - $355,800
Director's Statement
Creating ADAPTED has been a seven-year journey which began with the transformation I saw in my own mother after she entered hospice. Witnessing the degenerative aspects of her terminal illness was devastating, but I saw fundamental changes in her demeanor during the times she could be outside.
I was 24 when I moved back to my childhood home to assist with my mom’s caregiving. She could not do anything on her own, but together we set goals, getting her back on a bike and even on skis through an adaptive sports program. Seeing how much these adventures in nature improved her well being - despite her terminal illness - was what motivated me to start making this film.
It was while I was taking care of her that I met Michael “Hawkeye” Johnson, founder of the GoHawkeye Foundation, and he introduced me to Josh, Anna, and Danielle, all of whom he had fundraised for to help pay for their adaptive sports equipment. As I learned about their stories, I was able to draw parallels between their experiences and my mom’s. They all had a common thread - demonstrating how a renewed connection to wild spaces can give someone a new lease on life.
In filming ADAPTED, my goal was to portray the lengths that people will go just to get outside to remind a broad audience how important a connection with nature is to our humanity. I also worked closely with the cast members to not just portray their heroic accomplishments, but also capture their day to day lives living with a spinal-cord-injury. Ultimately, I hope that this film will show people new to paralysis what’s possible and inspire people of all abilities to get outside.
Other Ways You Can Help
- Share this project with your network!
- Reach out to become an regional ambassador and help our marketing team coordinate screenings in your area
- Host a private screening and fundraising event
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