NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF) today announced the documentary, Up For Air, which will premiere in a private screening on June 20, 2016 in New York City. The documentary follows Jerry Cahill, a 60-year-old pole-vaulting coach living with cystic fibrosis (CF), pre and post double-lung transplant. Through his dedicated approach to physical fitness and medical treatments, Jerry has lived more than 20 years past his given life expectancy. Jerry continues to be a well-respected ambassador for the CF community, leading BEF’s scholarship and grants division and founding additional outreach programs, such as “You Cannot Fail” and Team Boomer, one of the most impactful programs at BEF.
The film, directed and produced by Artem Agafonov, was shot over a period of five years, highlighting the “lead by example” and “you cannot fail” attitude of Jerry Cahill as he overcomes the daily challenges of living with CF. Viewers will understand the importance of Jerry’s role as a coach and mentor to his pole-vaulting athletes, as well as the sobering reality of Jerry’s daily medical regimen, which includes pills, intravenous therapies, respiratory treatments and airway clearance. The documentary follows the steady decline of Jerry’s lung function, framing his body as a defective machine and pegging time as his ultimate antagonist. When Jerry’s lung capacity decreases to 19 percent, a double lung transplant becomes imminent. Up For Air goes on the journey with Jerry as he transforms and vaults over the many obstacles of this next chapter of his life.
“Jerry continues to inspire and empower not only the CF community, but also everyone he meets in life. The Up For Air documentary showcases his relentless approach to life that is bound to motivate film watchers,” said Boomer Esiason, Founder of the BEF, whose son, Gunnar, has CF.
The film will have its World Premiere in New York City on June 20, 2016 at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) Auditorium, with filmmakers, members of the cast and BEF employees in attendance. The premiere will also include a post-screening panel discussion with Jerry and Artem. Following the premiere, an additional screening will occur on Jerry’s 60th birthday, June 27, 2016 at the Kendall Square Cinema in Boston. The third and final premiere is planned for September 19, 2016 at the New People Cinema in San Francisco. If your organization is interested in hosting a screening of the documentary, please contact Christopher McEwan at cmcewan@esiason.org. The full documentary will be available online in early 2017. To access and view the trailer for the film visit http://bit.ly/UpForAirTrailer.
Jerry Cahill, the Up For Air protagonist stated, “I am honored and excited to share my story. One of my life passions is to help people find their inner hero. Everyone faces hard times, and I truly hope viewers of Up For Air will feel encouraged to face each obstacle with strength and courage. I want to thank the Boomer Esiason Foundation, Director Artem Agafonov, and the many sponsors of the film, for their belief in me and this cause.”
Sponsors of Up for Air include major pharmaceutical companies and hospitals. To donate to the Boomer Esiason Foundation, please visit http://bit.ly/UpForAir. Your donations will support CF research and education, scholarships and transplant grants.
About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis is a chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. The mucus also obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
About Jerry Cahill
Jerry Cahill lives and succeeds in spite of his medical limitations. At 59 years old, he has overcome remarkable odds and has become living, breathing proof that people with CF can have a normal life through firm commitment to exercise and medical compliance.
Currently a CF Ambassador at the Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF), Cahill leads its scholarship and grants division and is the founder of Team Boomer – the athletic arm of BEF dedicated to encouraging exercise among CF patients while simultaneously raising money for scholarships. He has also started the program “You Cannot Fail,” which includes apparel, a website, an autobiographical coffee table book, and two children's books. On top of all of this, he records educational podcasts and videos and encourages other people with CF to share their stories on Club CF. He has completed two 500-mile “Bike to Breathe” bike tours.
Jerry believes that exercise is the single most important thing in his life that keeps him healthy with CF. Follow Jerry on Jerry Cahill's Cystic Fibrosis Podcast.
About the Boomer Esiason Foundation
Throughout his career in professional sports and the media, Boomer Esiason has been a committed and active participant in many charitable causes, but he began focusing on cystic fibrosis in 1993 when his son, Gunnar, was diagnosed with the disease. That same year, Esiason and his wife, Cheryl, launched the Boomer Esiason Foundation, a dynamic partnership of leaders in the medical and business communities joining with a committed core of volunteers to heighten awareness, education and quality of life for those affected by cystic fibrosis, while providing financial support to research aimed at finding a cure. For more information, go to www.esiason.org.
