Atlanta, GA (August 28, 2008) - "Living is Winning", the compelling and inspirational sports documentary about Ironman triathlete and Leukemia survivor Andrew "Drew" Johnston, proudly launches the release of the DVD at Ironman Louisville over Labor Day weekend and at The Nation's Triathlon in Washington, DC, benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Recommended in Triathlete Magazine and Competitor Southeast, and supported by Ironman Triathlon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Team in Training, this long-awaited feature length film is now available on DVD just in time for the holidays.
Drew, a retired professional cyclist, surprised himself by falling in love with the sport of triathlon. He quickly rose to elite status, but season after season, injuries seemed to plague him. In 2004, at Ironman Lake Placid, a recurring leg injury forced his withdrawal from the race. Never one to quit, he was devastated, but realized his nightmare had only just begun. During a routine exam, doctors discovered something unimaginable; Drew had Leukemia. Caught early, the drug Geevec helped put his disease into remission, and Drew fought his way back to the sport, qualifying for and competing in the famous Ford Ironman World Championship. But Drew had unfinished business - Ironman Lake Placid. In 2007, he returned to the starting line to find he still carried the emotional weight of all the battles he thought were behind him.
"The way you pulled together Drew's experiences told a very powerful story. There was no shortage of emotion in this video!" said Ironman's Director of Communications, Blair LaHaye.
"Andrew's heart really shines in the film. He shows us what it means to be alive and why we shouldn't take life for granted. Bravo!" raves Will Holt, Owner of The Bicycle Link in Atlanta.
"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is proud to be associated with Drew Johnston and 'Living Is Winning'. Drew's pursuit of his goals, even in the face of a deadly disease, embodies the very essence of what LLS is about," states Nancy Klein, Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer, LLS
Join Drew as he shares his emotional journey, his struggles and his triumphs, and learn how he overcomes overwhelming odds. Filled with determination, humor and passion, and fueled by the love of friends and family, Drew shows us all that our only limitations are the ones we set for
ourselves.
Buy the DVD now at www.livingiswinning.com and share in Andrew Johnston's amazing story.
Filmmaker Contacts: jkeating@livingiswinning.com or lburns@livingiswinning.com
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: www.leukemia-lymphoma.org
Team in Training: www.teamintraining.org
Andrew's Stroy:
Andrew “Drew” Johnston is an elite athlete. He spent his life taking care of his body - no alcohol, tobacco or drugs, not even aspirin. Beginning as a competitive cyclist, Drew quickly gained professional status, but after a series of horrific crashes and concussions, he was forced to put down his bike and reassess his identity. After 10 years, Drew would no longer be a cyclist. Introduced to triathlons, he quickly found success and a new career. But 2004 brought devastating news for his family, his friends and his future. Drew was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) and his body literally broke down. While competing, scrapping and fighting to win in athletics had always been in Drew’s blood, his body had been invaded by one of society’s most feared agents and no one knew if this was an opponent he could beat. But two years later, after taking an oral chemo called Gleevac, and continuing his commitment to a healthy organic lifestyle, rigorous targeted exercise and an extremely positive mental attitude, Drew is in molecular remission. Today, Drew competes at triathlons and Ironman events throughout the country with remarkable results. His personal training and coaching business is thriving, and his wife, Diana, has given birth to their first child, a son. Drew's life story serves as an inspiration to others, to strive to be your best in every aspect of life and to never give up your dreams, no matter how distant they may seem.
