 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 films impact. He also added chapter  titles to increase the films 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.