www.chasingmemovie.com
Based on the true story of Jason Lester, “Chasing Me” is a story of survival of how one man persisted through some of life’s toughest obstacles (the loss of his family - father, brother and mother, the rehabilitation from a devastating car accident, physical abuse and drug addiction) to achieve great personal success in athletics and proves to the world that he is a true Ironman in swimming, biking, running, and in life.
“SYNOPSIS”
The Starting Line
In a dreary desert town, 3-year-old Jason, along with his 10-year-old half-brother Quinton, lives in a trailer amidst a whirlwind of alcoholic rage, parental neglect and daily abuse. The boys' mother Cathy eventually abandons them, leaving the boys to fend for themselves. After days without electricity or food, Jason and Quinton are finally forced by the State to live a country apart with each of their biological fathers.
Jason is taken by his father, Charles, to live with Jason’s grandparents and his father. At this time he builds a strong emotional bond with his father, their relationship is more like brothers rather than father and son. At the age of 6, he begins running with his 1st-grade teacher, a competitive marathon runner. Between the ages of 6 and 12 Jason grows into a highly touted young athlete – a six-time All-Star baseball player and key member of Arizona’s most successful youth football team ever. It is his success as a sports star that finally has young Jason feeling he is a functioning part of society, and even more importantly, it strengthens his bonds with his 1 hero, best friend and coach, his father Charles.
The Straightaway
All seems to be turning around for Jason. Then on Halloween night, the evening before his State Champion Football Game, 12-year-old Jason is hit by a car while riding his bike. He spends three months in the hospital with 21 broken bones, a collapsed lung and a paralyzed arm. His one hope, excelling in athletics, is dashed. And as is par for young Jason’s life course, he is dealt one more devastating blow. Jason discovers his father and best friend has succumbed to the stress of Jason’s accident and unexpectedly dies of a heart attack at age 39.
Spurred by his father’s love of athletics, Jason continues to fight the odds. In spite of a paralyzed arm and an injury-ravaged body, Jason goes on to star in high school and college athletics and competing in over 50 Biathlons and Marathons.
In his early twenties, Jason moves to Los Angeles and takes a job with an elite sports agency, where he flourishes. His career and financial success lead him into the darker side of the Hollywood scene, eventually he gets caught up in using ecstasy, cocaine and alcohol abuse to the point where he nearly dies of an overdose. This is where Jason meets his one true love, a professional artist named Renee. She becomes Jason’s greatest supporter and helps him overcome his drug addiction and in the process find his true self. It is then that Jason finds out that his wayward mother is near death. In her dying moments, Jason forgives her. At this same time Jason finally reconnects with his half brother Quinton. With the past now officially behind him, Jason begins his final surge
The Last Lap
With Renee by his side and his passion rekindled, Jason decides to return to his first love and compete in the Arizona Triathlon. While he rigorously trains for the triathlon, Jason begins to notice something truly amazing; he is regaining movement in his paralyzed arm. The big day has come and Jason competes in the Arizona Triathlon, as he persists through the pain and toll of the run, he thinks back to all of the obstacles that he had to overcome to bring him to this point of his life, a satisfying smile fills his face as Jason crosses the finish line.
Inspired by his good fortune, Jason makes it his ultimate goal to bring awareness to the battles of paralysis and creates Embracing the Possibilities Inc. where he shares his testimony around the world. In the end, Jason proved to the world that he is a true Ironman in swimming, biking, running, and in life.
