When Hollywood producers reached out to Vicki and me and said “you have to tell the story of Jeffrey and the Foundation”, I asked them… "why would anyone care?”
I was flattered, but I could not understand why people would want to see the movie. We had a tragedy, and then we moved forward as best as we could.
I think most people would have done exactly the same…
But, at the urging of family, friends, doctors, patients, pharmaceutical executives, and even members of Congress, we were encouraged to tell our story because we were told it was unique… one of a kind!
So, on the first day of the film shoot, I was fully prepared to describe the many accomplishments of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation. I was prepared…but I was wrong! The producers wanted us to talk about Jeffrey… our love for him and his impact on us, before we ever referenced the Foundation.
Jeffrey was a great kid. He was my best buddy! He was so much fun. We played tennis, squash, softball, lots of swimming and always sailing. He had a great sense of humor and loved to entertain. But above all, he had courage and strength and a deep conviction to do all the things he wanted to in spite of illnesses that temporarily interrupted his life.
I learned so much from Jeffrey and I really miss him every day! I did not have the courage and conviction that Jeffrey had. But his mother, Vicki, was always strong and courageous and brought those qualities to the Jeffrey Modell Foundation over thirty-two years ago.
Every day, Vicki Modell surprises me. She speaks to the congressmen, she speaks to pharmaceuticals, and she speaks to families. She brings families together; in all parts of the world… she’s even working on a program now that brings families together in Israel and Palestine. She’s a remarkable woman. She really is. She happens to be my wife, but she’s just a remarkable person and very well respected in our field. People know Vicki Modell. They might say, “What’s the name of the guy she’s married to?” But, I am okay with that… because at least I know the heart and the strength of this Foundation continue on through her… and she lets me participate in all of the activities alongside her!
~ Fred Modell