Film portrays champion snowboarder and the Utahns who helped him recover

Some family members even slept in the waiting room on inflatable mattresses and a nearby conference room served as a makeshift lodge for the influx of dedicated friends for Pearce's nearly month-long stay at the Utah hospital.

"I don't think there was a single moment when he was in that room by himself," Ledyard said. "They were fantastic to work with."

Pearce, and anyone who suffers a brain injury, will likely have to continue physical and cognitive therapy throughout life to keep the brain engaged and improving. There really is no substitute, Ledyard said.

She encourages anyone who participates in activities involving high speeds and the potential for head injury to wear protective equipment, helmets especially. The recurring slogan of the film, she said, is "love your brain."

Pearce was wearing a helmet at the time of his accident and Ledyard said she believes it saved his life.

"It's all about what life means to you," Reimherr said. She said the only thing you can do is give people helpful information and they'll make decisions on their own. "In reality, life is what we make it and what we want it to be."

E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com

Twitter: wendyleonards