Cody Unser: A Documentary Oscar Qualifying Run and a Graduation

Christopher Productions and The Cody Unser First Step Foundation announced the theatrical release of the documentary entitled, CODY; The First Step.  The Oscar Qualifying runs were held in LA County in April and in New York City in May.

CODY is a powerful documentary, narrated by Glenn Close that charts the extraordinary story of Cody Unser who was tragically struck with Transverse Myelitis at the age of 12.  The disease left her paralyzed from the chest down.  However, she refused to let that diagnosis define her and instead at age 13 founded the Cody Unser First Step Foundation to ensure that money would be raised to find a cure.  For the last five years Cody has lobbied state legislatures and Congress to push for stem-cell research which offers the key to her own recovery.  During the film, Cody shares with the viewers her determination to walk again.  The film takes the viewers on an intimate journey with Cody detailing her daily emotional and physical struggles.  The film also charts where science and politics intersect.  Visit www.cufsf.org to see the trailer.
           
Cody Unser said, “I hope my story will shed some light on what it is really like to live with paralysis.  I also hope that the film will lead to more research dollars so that paralysis; not just for me, but for all people, will become a treatable and reversible diagnosis.”
           
Chris Schueler, Director/Producer of CODY said, “Cody Unser has become an inspiration to everyone associated with the production.  Despite her paralysis, Cody has not only remained remarkably independent but has made some amazing accomplishments.  I am honored that Cody was willing to let our film crew into her life and I am confident the documentary will forever change how the public views people who are not disabled but rather differently abled.”
 
Cody graduated from the University of Redlands College of Arts and Sciences in May with a bachelor’s degree in Biopolitics through the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies.  This program allows students to work with faculty members to create their own majors.  Cody defines Biopolitics as the connection between biology and political action in human health.  Cody will be the first student to graduate with this major.  Cody’s interest in biology and politics grew out of her advocacy work focused on the development of restorative treatments from stem cell therapies.  She has worked closely with Dr. Douglas Kerr, Director of the Johns Hopkins TM Center and Project RESTORE and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation in these advocacy efforts. 

Cody’s future plans involve her continued work with her wonderful foundation, the Cody Unser First Step Foundation and the pursuit of degrees in public health and law.  Congratulations, Cody; we are all so very proud of you!