Paralyzed at 17

Gavin Miller spent 19 years writing the 3,400-word script for this half-hour film - over half his life. He began on 9 November 1985, the day he became permanently paralyzed. This film would be his personal testimony, and he hoped it would save other kids from going through what he went through. Then in January 2004, he spent several days turning his life into a screenplay by watching old videos of his speeches from as far back as 14 years, and by reading newspaper articles and reviews of his testimony. He paid very close attention to the hundreds of letters from kids and adults who had heard his testimony, to determine exactly which parts meant the most to them. He decided to add four of his TV PSAs to help visualize his testimony and increase the film's impact. He also added chapter titles to increase the film's pace. Gavin decided he would tell his story the same way he has on stages across America, as a heartfelt monologue delivered from his wheelchair.