ED - a true story, based on the book Conquering Life's Curves, is the real extra-ordinary story of one mans life journey to the top. He is well on his way to realizing his dreams, when life throws him a curve of unexpected dramatic events and his life spins out of control. He falls into the deep dark valley of life, a place few want to go. Emotionally exhausted and physically fatigued he reflects on his life, he finds the encouragement, faith and strength to pull himself out of the dark and into the light, one inch at a time. More than just another story, this film is a true reflection about all things we have in common, A License to Live! Producers Copy A License to Live , based on the winning book Conquering Life’s Curves, is the real like account of one man, who had reached the pinnacle of his childhood dream, only to have that very success fade when his life went into a tail-spin and out of control. As though painted on a “leathered “ canvas touched by America’s pastime and seasoned by a timely pluck from Cupid’s bow, it is a timely reminder that we rarely find the true purpose in life during the fanfare of the World Series championships, but ironically amidst the curves and challenges we all face. Ed Hearn grew up with a gift for baseball. With the support of his family, that gift matured. Ed was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies right out of high school beginning a journey that he had dreamed of as a youth. For many young men of this age, life on the road was tough, filled with temptations and pitfalls. While the odds of “making it to the bigs” were great, Ed persevered with passion and purpose. In 1986, Ed fulfilled the dream of most boys, that of becoming a professional athlete and winning a world championship. And, with Divine assistance, he fulfilled the dreams of most grown men when he met and married a beautiful young nurse. Following that glorious year of success and romance in the spotlight of the Big Apple, he signed with the Kansas City Royals as the starting catcher. Ed had established himself as a Major League Ballplayer. But you never know what challenges life has in store for you. Life was great, and the future looked bright for both Ed’s baseball future and that of the newly married couple in what should have been the most successful period of their lives. This fairy tale and this perfect world however came crashing down when Ed sustained a devastating career-ending shoulder injury. Then, less than six months after his baseball career ended, Ed was diagnosed with three life-threatening health conditions. If ever there was a time for one to draw from one’s inner strength it was now. Ed’s will and faith were put to the test curve after curve. There were many moments that he doubted his survival. Sidelined from the game he so dearly loved, this once strong, vibrant athlete was reduced to a man who could barely care for himself. Deep in despair he found himself crying out in pain and agony not so much about the physical pain, but rather in self-pity; “why me”, “why now”. Late one night he broke into his church and challenged God about the purpose of all he had been put through. The answer was inspiration. In today’s sports world of multi- million dollar contracts, pro athletes are held in almost god-like esteem. There are those, however, who have not been able to weather this fame and their self centeredness disqualifies them as heroes. Ed Hearn is not in this category. Refreshingly, this is the journey of one “Casey” who didn’t strike out. Ed Hearn One Man’s Synopsis Conclusion When we read about A License to Live we have many experiences and emotions that we can reflect on with our own lives. This story is truly about Vision, Passion, Knowledge, Persistence, Life Lessons, Family, Love, Pain, Commitment, Dedication, Consistency, Self- Reflection, Faith, Spirit, Gratitude and Appreciation. Many men and women would simply roll up into a tiny little ball, resort or give up when faced will such devastating adversity. Yet Ed Hearn remains a fighter, a true life warrior and so too will the human race when they visually engage his success on the screen. Ed had to re-evaluate his license to live and what success really meant. Is Success Self - Perception? A License to Live is a message of hope, renewing our faith in the power of the human spirit for the human race. What makes the man isn't the talent he’s born with, it's the positive action he takes with the God given tools he’s been granted. Man’s sacrifices are the difference makers in other people’s lives. More than just another success story, this film is about providing people the power to live. Its time as a human race, we did something together it’s time we gave, A License to Live ! JD Nicholls - student and friend SSwwiinnggiinngg ffoorr tthhee FFeenncceess By JD Nicholls - student and friend © Worldwide Baseball Mobile Media, Inc. The day is grey so cloudy and blue, All I see is just me and you, Taking batting practice with my Dad on the hill To me it’s the best part of life, for me it’s a thrill. It’s the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded, And I got a funny feeling dad’s throwing a curve, But it doesn’t matter because I’m taken it for a ride, Gonna send that ball to the other side, To the deepest part where the fences lye, Swinging for the fences, this is what Dad taught me, Swinging for life’s fences be all I could be, When Life’s throws you a curve, Rely on those just like Ed Hearn, Someday someone will ask and it will be your turn, Whether it’s because they need help or a lending hand, Be blessed you were chosen man, A gift was presented in an extraordinary way Someone thought of you when it wasn’t their day, They thought you could be their angel above, Someone close like hand to glove, Just tell this person in your own little way, That this how they can improve their day, Swing for the Fences is the best thing to do, Swinging for the Fences just me and you, We can do it together with love and support, We can conquer life’s curves Instead of abort, Go ahead and throw me that curve, Give your best; it’s what I deserve, We will hit it in a way that will make your head turn, I swung for the fences, I’ll never be burned. A License to Live .