Teton Gravity Research has released the film “Mountain in the Hallway” about two fathers battling cancer and their attempt to climb the Grand Teton in Wyoming.

Life certainly comes with its challenges. But for some, those challenges far outweigh anything else. When Tate MacDowell and Brian McDonnell were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2016, they came face to face with their greatest challenge. Never ones to back down, they vowed to make the absolute most of it, and set their sights high: to beat cancer and embrace life by climbing the Grand Teton.

Teton Gravity Research (TGR) has tackled the topics of cancer and the mountains in the latest film “Mountain in the Hallway.” Told through the lens of two fathers battling cancer, the movie delves into the desire to live fulfilling mountain lives and the sacred landscape of the Grand Teton. Tate and Brian underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and spent large swaths of time wandering the halls of their respected hospitals and it was during their wanderings and waiting for the nausea to pass, they found themselves entranced by the highest point in the Grand Teton National Park. The Grand Teton, looming 13,775 feet over Jackson’s hole, is the mountain in the hallway.

Through social media and mutual friends, Tate and Brian became compadres as they fought through chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. Ultimately, the mountain in the hallway became a common goal that offered strength, peace and motivation. Tate and Brian decided to meet in-person and attempt to climb the Grand Teton together. With the support and sponsorship from Black Diamond Equipment, Teton Gravity Research and Exum Guides, both men gathered in the shadows of the Tetons to celebrate the mountain, their families, friends and life.

What is colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer is a disease characterized by the unchecked division and survival of abnormal cells in the colon or rectum. In the United States, colorectal cancer is responsible for the second most cancer deaths, and the key to surviving and beating colorectal cancer is early detection. According to the American Cancer Society, “colorectal cancer is much more common in older men than in younger patients.” Mountain in the Hallway, tells the stark reality that younger men who live healthy and active lives are increasingly at risk of developing tumors in their large intestine and that the US healthcare system needs to adjust the guidelines for preventative screening that is covered by health insurance for adults younger than forty years old.

In 2017 in the US, an estimated 135,430 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and about 50,260 people will die from the disease. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women. Approximately 4.6% of men (1 in 22) and 4.2% of women (1 in 24) will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.

Teton Gravity Research hopes that this film will educate, shape the future of the preventative healthcare system and remind you to love the ones you’re with.

To watch the entire “Mountain in the Hallway” film, log on to: www.tetongravity.com/films/mountain-in-the-hallway