Ducky Goes Up: Climbing The Grand Teton With Down Syndrome

Last summer, Andrew Harris, also know as "Bob" or "Ducky," became the first person with Down Syndrome to climb the Grand Teton. And now, his brother-in-law and professional skier, Max Hammer, is making a movie about it. "He has given me a new perspective on life and I'd like to return the favor," says Max about the film. 

RELATED: How Andrew Harris Became The First Person With Down Syndrome To Climb The Grand Teton

Ducky Goes Up will be about Bob's 2017 summit of the Grand Teton, but also express what can happen when you focus on health, fitness, and good old fashioned fun. "The idea is to create a highly motivating, incredibly silly, and engaging movie. This movie is a project for Bob, one that he would love to watch, and one that shows just how much we love him too," writes Max on the Kickstarter Campaign website. 

He's hoping to raise $49,000 for the film in the next month—so far they've reached $7,419. Max says that the most important factor in crowdfunding campaigns is the number of people who donate, not the dollar amount. So if you'd like to help make this incredible, fun, and important film a reality, any small donation will make a difference. Or you can help spread the word by sharing their story on Facebook.

Ducky summits the Grand Teton. Artwork by Michelle Lassaline.

Ducky is a childhood nickname for Andrew, although he mostly likes to go by Bob Hammer. His sister Amy married Max last year, and Andrew fell in love with the name Hammer. And as for Bob, he just likes the name.

"Through this project, we want to reach out to people with Down syndrome, their families, friends and communities and show that people with Down syndrome are not only immensely capable physically and mentally, they deserve some media attention that speaks directly to them and encourages them to choose the good stuff in life," Max continues in the film summary. 

Bob, his sister Amy, and brother-in-law Max share a special moment atop the Grand. Photo by Julie Ellison.