CHOC Children’s and World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation Join Forces to Raise Awareness – and Funds - for Pediatric Cancer

Los Angeles, CA, June 25, 2013 --(PR.com)-- CHOC Children’s has partnered with World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation in a nationwide effort to raise awareness – and funds - for pediatric cancer through the award-winning feature film, “Ways to Live Forever,” which opens in select U.S. theaters this July 19th. Based on the acclaimed British children’s novel by Sally Nicholls, this heartfelt movie depicts the story of 12-year-old Sam and his best friend, Felix, who are bravely battling leukemia. In spite of the disease, the two boys embark on an inspiring mission to achieve their dreams, find answers to their burning questions, and grow up fast.

"This movie portrays an authentic perspective of what we see in our young cancer patients every day, particularly in our Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program. I encourage everyone to honor our courageous patients, as well as help raise awareness for pediatric cancer, by seeing this movie," said Dr. Leonard Sender, medical director, Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children's.

“Ways to Live Forever” stars acclaimed actors Ben Chaplin (“The Thin Red Line, “The Truth About Cats and Dogs”); Greta Scacchi (“The Player,” Emma); Robbie Kay (“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”); Alex Etel (“The Water Horse”); Emilia Fox (BBC’s “Pride And Prejudice”); and Ella Purnell (“Intruders,” “Never Let Me Go”). The film’s growing list of international awards includes: Best Feature Film from the European Children’s Film Association; Best Picture at the Bordeaux International Festival of Women in Cinema; the Heartland Film Festival Audience Award; and the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival’s Adult Jury Prize. Additionally, nationally-renowned book publisher Scholastic has issued Nicholls’ best-selling novel as an enhanced eBook and will re-release a paperback version to coincide with the film’s North American theatrical release.

“We are excited and honored to be working with CHOC Children’s in order to help raise more awareness for pediatric blood cancers around the world,” states Paul D. Hancock, President and CEO of World Wide. “We hope that through our mutual efforts, ‘Ways to Live Forever’ can also increase funding for patient treatment and support; in addition to raising awareness, we are directly donating a portion of the film's box office proceeds toward these goals.”

The Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children’s will receive a portion of the proceeds of the film, which premieres in Orange County on July 19th at AMC Orange 30 (20 City Blvd. West, Orange, 92868).

Named one of the best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report (2013-2014), CHOC Children's is exclusively committed to the health and well-being of children through clinical expertise, advocacy, outreach and research that brings advanced treatment to pediatric patients. Affiliated with the University of California, Irvine, CHOC’s regional healthcare network includes two state-of-the-art hospitals in Orange and Mission Viejo, several primary and specialty care clinics, a pediatric residency program, and four centers of excellence - The CHOC Children’s Heart, Neuroscience, Orthopaedic and Hyundai Cancer Institutes.

Founded in 1977, World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation (www.wwmpc.com) is a diversified company with shareholders throughout the world, primarily involved in the development, financing, production and distribution of feature films, documentaries, short subjects, industrials and television productions. World Wide’s industry executives and board members have produced, distributed and consulted on a wide variety of film and television projects, earning Academy awards, Emmy awards, and prizes from international film festivals.

Media Contact:
Denise Almazan
714-509-8680
dalmazan @ choc.org