The Film

Mark is a severly overweight accountant from Montreal who is trying to lose over 70 pounds in 12 months in order to participate in a cycling event to help raise funds for kids and their families who are fighting cancer. The event is the CIBC 401 Bike challenge that involves cycling from Toronto Sick Kids Hospital to Montreal Children's Hospital, a total of 576 kms in 2.5 days. It is a feat even for those who are fit and athletic!

This is a story about Mark redefining his relationship with himself and with food. It is about the support one needs from friends, family, peers, and health professionals. And it is about courage and determination.

The Impact

We hope to inspire others through this film. If Mark can lose 70 pounds in 12 months (he has already lost  40 pounds since filming began 5 months ago) and if he can cycle in such challenging and grueling conditions, then perhaps others watching will be motivated to improve their lives by tackling whatever obstacles lie in their way to better health. We believe our film's message will encourage others to fight their battle.

The Filmmakers

We are corporate video producers, and this is our first documentary project. We are also passionate cyclists and met Mark in our local cycling club. When we heard his story, that we found compelling and inspiring, we decided to film his journey in order to share it with others in the hope that they will be driven and motivated as Mark is to make whatever necessary changes in their lives.

What We Need 

We need to raise $50,000.00. As you might imagine, to produce a film costs a lot more, but this will be a start for us. We will donate 10% of the money we raise to the Sarah Cook Fund, the fund that the cyclists are riding for. We will use the contributions to pay our editor, sound tech for music composition, sound score and mixing, to fund our outreach campaign and to continue shooting the film. If we do not reach our goal through contributions we will continue to produce the film and still contribute the 10%. By supporting this film you are part of a community that believes in helping and encouraging others to to lead healthier lives.

Please offer your comments on the tab above.

To learn more about the fund http://www.cedars.ca/cedars/en/sarah_cook_fund/founder

 To follow Mark's progress on FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Down-the-401-The-Ride-of-a-Lifetime/301705403208766

 To learn more about the filmmakers visit our website www.memoriesfx.com