A documentary film is being made about Brad Jacobsen, a quadriplegic man who was able to traverse the West Coast Trail back in 2005 with the help of some dedicated friends.
Jacobsen accomplished what many thought to be impossible by completing the West Coast Trail as an individual paralyzed from the neck down.
He tragically passed away back in 2021, but now an effort to complete the documentary using footage from the journey is in the works and a fundraiser has been launched to garner the funding needed to do so.
Brad Jacobsen’s story
Jacobsen was born in 1969, and was known to be an athletic, creative and adventurous person.
In a tragic accident at the age of 25, he dove into water trying to retrieve a frisbee, but broke his neck causing him to become quadriplegic.
Rather than let this injury define him, he continued to live on his own terms and helped those who became paralyzed come to terms with their own injuries.
Furthermore, Jacobsen refused to accept that adventure, wilderness and purpose were no longer part of his future.
With a team of friends behind him, he managed to conquer Vancouver Island’s West Coast Trail.
The trail is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most demanding backcountry hikes, with remote terrain, steep ladders, unpredictable weather and physical challenges aplenty.
During this hike, he and his friends filmed the experience in hopes to make a documentary out of the footage.
Sadly, Jacobsen passed away in 2021 before the documentary could be completed.
Finishing the documentary
Now, it has been over two decades since Jacobsen and his friends finished the West Coast Trail and an effort has been put in place to finish the project.
The feature documentary will be called The Standing Spirit Project, and is being produced by the British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society (BCMOS) in partnership with 8 Fold Films.
The intention of this documentary is to not only show his remarkable journey, but the friendships, resilience and community that made it possible.
Before his passing, Jacobsen entrusted his friends and filmmakers Chelsea McEvoy and Jordan Kerton with archival footage, tapes and materials collected over nearly two decades.
“Brad wasn’t simply a friend,” said Chelsea McEvoy, Jacobsen’s friend and the film’s co-director.
“He was a mentor, a peer, and someone who shaped countless lives. Completing this film is not only about preserving his story; it’s about preserving his impact.”
In addition to his journey across the West Coast Trail, the film will highlight Jacobsen’s extensive work with Spinal Cord Injury BC and his involvement in peer mentorship programs at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, where he helped countless individuals navigate rehabilitation, rebuild confidence and adapt to life after injury.
“This film is not simply about what Brad accomplished twenty years ago,” continued McEvoy.
“It’s about what happens when a community carries someone’s dream forward long after they’re gone.”
The Standing Spirit Project
Once complete, The Standing Spirit Project will explore Jacobsen’s historic journey across the West Coast Trail.
It will include the trail riding and kayaking sections of the route, navigating ladders and adapting difficult terrain.
The film also aims to contribute to the larger conversation around accessibility, inclusion and access to outdoor spaces.
“This is our opportunity to ensure Brad’s story continues to inspire future generations. His life changed the people around him. Now we want his story to continue changing others.”
BCMOS has launched fundraising efforts to complete production, post-production, archival restoration, editing, sound design, distribution and final delivery of the feature documentary.
The organization is encouraging community members, businesses, sponsors and supporters from across Vancouver Island and British Columbia to help bring this important story to audiences everywhere.
Donations can be made via The Standing Spirit Project website.
The fundraiser has a goal of $70,000 to finish the film and as of this publication, has raised $10,000.
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