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Event
The Push
Title Includes
A Racing Heart
A heart transplant recipient strives to make good on the promise he made to himself back when he was dying, all while connecting with the family who helped give his life a new meaning.
The Push
THE PUSH is a documentary film that focuses on Grant Korgan, an adventure athlete and former nanoscientist who became the first spinal-cord injured athlete in history to ski the final degree of latitude to the bottom of the world ~ to Antarctica's geographic South Pole. Just five months after marrying the love of his life, Shawna, Grant Korgan went out with his three friends one morning for a day of fun and filming on snowmobiles. After much consideration, he attempted a jump that he had always wanted to take on his snowmobile. Grant's snowmobile crashed down hard, and Grant broke his back. His friends sprang into action, stabilizing him, tending to him in the snow, with one racing 20 miles through the backcountry to get help. After an agonizing wait, a chopper arrived to carry Grant to a hospital in Reno. Despite his prognosis, that he would never walk again, both he and Shawna focused on the goal of 120% recovery. Shawna, a health and wellness expert, took his recovery head-on and with the same drive and tenacity as Grant. She worked with doctors and therapists to devise a rigorous plan that aligned with Grant's recovery goals. While working on his rehabilitation, Grant was offered an opportunity to join an expedition heading to the South Pole. If he completed the 100 miles using his arms to pull himself on a sit-ski, he would become the first spinal cord injured athlete to reach the South Pole. Grant joined a team of guides and other athletes to train for the expedition. They travelled to Norway, Alaska, South America, and other spots to build their stamina, test the cold conditions, and work on team dynamics. The team found the physical demands harder than they had anticipated, and there were several personality clashes. After some adjustments, Grant and two guides headed off to South America. On the ice, they struggled with minus 50 degree conditions, failing solar panels, hypothermia, frost bite, and mental challenges. It was several days of ups and downs, stunning scenery, unanticipated obstacles, and ultimately record-setting success. On January 17, 2012, Grant reached the bottom of our world on the 100th anniversary when Captain Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova expedition arrived at the earth's most remote spot. Grant was overcome with emotion as Shawna surprised him to greet him as he reached the South Pole to celebrate his achievement. When Grant returned home, the thrill of his achievement turned to reflection about his reality. He had to face his paralysis and realize that going forward he would still have to overcome his inability to use his legs unassisted. But Grant made a profound, inspiring decision, to choose positivity. He focuses on what he is able to do and finds pleasure and comfort in kayaking, downhill skiing, diving, and waterskiing as an adaptive athlete. On August 2015, Korgan broke the record for the human powered circumnavigation of Lake Tahoe by over two hours, finishing the 72 mile paddle in just 14 hours and 15 minutes.Throughout all his adventures and accomplishments, Grant credits Shawna, who he says makes all things possible.He is a motivational speaker who urges people to choose positivity and pick themselves up and carry on, regardless of what challenge in life they may be facing.
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LocationRISD Museum, Metcalf Auditorium, Chace Center (View)
20 North Main Street
Providence, RI 02903
United States
Categories
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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Contact
Attendees
Patrick R.
Boston, MA United States
Aug 07, 2018 11:25 AM |
Patrick R.
Boston, MA United States
Aug 07, 2018 11:25 AM |
Patrick R.
Boston, MA United States
Aug 07, 2018 11:25 AM |
Patrick R.
Boston, MA United States
Aug 07, 2018 11:25 AM |
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