Piper’s Angels Foundation serves cystic fibrosis families as one of the largest grassroots organizations in the country, largely thanks to their flagship fundraiser: The Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis, a harrowing 82-mile paddle endurance event from Bimini in the Bahamas back to Florida. The foundation’s executive director approached us several years ago about directing a film that followed the story of Scott Johnson, a 53-year-old cystic fibrosis warrior and double lung transplant survivor, as he attempted the challenge of the Crossing. From the start, we were all in, grateful to be tasked with such a wonderful, adventurous, and inspiring story. By far MGW Productions' biggest production to date, this documentary spanned over three years of work with production across multiple states and countries.

Objective: The original objective was to create a 10-20 minute film, harnessing Scott’s journey in preparing for the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis race as a framework to tell his larger backstory of overcoming adversity. Piper’s Angels Foundation aimed to generate impact through greater awareness, inspiration, and life change within the cystic fibrosis community and beyond. They invested tremendous time and resources into making this film a hallmark piece for the foundation, using it as a way to carry the message of hope to those hurting and affected by CF.

Impact: The nature of documentary filmmaking carries with it tremendous responsibility and adaptability, which held true in the production of this documentary. Unforeseen circumstances turned it into a 44-minute piece. Not only were we able to adapt and enlarge the scope of this project, but we also overcame every obstacle standing in the way. The end result was a wildly inspirational film that has premiered at three live events in Florida and North Carolina to date. It is now available to stream in select hospitals for patients to watch across the country and has amassed over 24,000 views on YouTube in less than six months.