California girl gets dying wish to see movie 'Up' June 19, 2009, 2:04 PM EST HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP) -- Colby Curtin got her final wish.
The 10-year-old girl desperately wanted to see the new Disney-Pixar movie, "Up." But the cancer-stricken girl was too sick to go to a theater.
Thanks to a family friend who got in touch with the movie studio Pixar, an employee of the Emeryville-based company arrived at Colby's home with a DVD copy of the movie, The Orange County Register reported Friday. The girl died later that night.
Colby's mother, Lisa, said she had asked her daughter if she could hang on until the movie arrived.
"I'm ready (to die), but I'm going to wait for the movie," she said her daughter replied.
"Up" is the animated tale of a grumpy old man who, after his wife's death, tries to fulfill their joint dream of visiting South America by tying thousands of balloons to his house and floating away.
"When I watched it, I had really no idea about the content of the theme of the movie," Colby's mother told the Register. "I just know that word 'Up' and all of the balloons and I swear to you, for me it meant that (Colby) was going to go up. Up to heaven."
Colby, who was diagnosed with vascular cancer in 2005, saw previews for the film in April.
"It was from then on, she said, 'I have to see that movie. It is so cool,'" family friend Carole Lynch said.
But the girl's health began to deteriorate. On June 4, Curtin asked a hospice company to bring a wheelchair so that her daughter could go to a movie theater but the chair was not delivered over the weekend, Curtin said.
By June 9, Colby was too sick to go anywhere.
Another family friend, Terrell Orum, called both Pixar and Disney, which owns the animation studio. The message was received by Pixar officials, who agreed to send someone to Colby's house the next day with a copy of "Up" for a private screening, Orum said.
The employee arrived with the DVD, stuffed animals of characters and other movie memorabilia.
Colby was unable to open her eyes to see the movie so her mother described the scenes. When her mother asked if she enjoyed it, the girl nodded, Curtin said.
The Pixar employee left after the movie, taking the DVD, which has not been released. Lynch, who was with the family during the screening, said the employee's "eyes were just welled up."
Colby, with her parents nearby, died later that night.
Her mother said one of the memorabilia left by the Pixar employee was an "adventure book" based on a scrapbook that, in the movie, is kept by the wife of the main character.
"I'll have to fill those adventures in for her," Lisa Curtin said of her daughter.
I'm usually not one to post news articles, and generally I'm completely desensitized to anything I see/read on the internet, but holy cow this one really got to me. My eyes were actually watering up... I thought it weird at first that something like this would be a dying wish, and the "hold on until the movie gets here" bit was odd, but then the symbolism of what the movie was about and what was about to happen to her hit me like a freight train.
wow. yeah, i want to watch UP too. it seemed like an amazing movie but shit. this girl is only 10, and she passed away missing: boyfriends, prom, shopping for prom, wedding, kids, everything. parents dont want to see themselves outliving their children and the mother just as well did that. the employee was nice, at least she saw the movie.
an employee of the Emeryville-based company arrived at Colby's home with a DVD copy of the movie, which was later ripped and uploaded to the internet by the girl before she died
Great marketing for Pixar Maybe If I had a vagina I also would be manipulated by this story. Kids die. It sucks. But why would I be sad if I don't even know this girl?
Very sad story, though. I couldnt even read to the end, cuz I was feeling depressed right away Nice of them to grant her this simple wish. May she rest in peace.
It's sad, but it really feels the only reason this is 'news', is because of the potential commercial value for pixar/disney, which is even more depressing. :l
On June 20 2009 09:15 strack wrote: Great marketing for Pixar Maybe If I had a vagina I also would be manipulated by this story. Kids die. It sucks. But why would I be sad if I don't even know this girl?
On June 20 2009 09:29 Delerium wrote: that's a pretty cynical way to look at it... can't it be news because it's a touching story?
Yes it's just a touching story. I can't believe all the people are saying "OMG SMART MARKETING STRATEGY" I mean grow the fuck up. It's not like Pixar infected the girl with cancer knowing she'll ask for the movie. Geez, what the fukc is wrong with these people. Think of it this way, You own pixar, you're Pixar's president, there's this girl who's going to die that wanted to see your movie, and you have the power to make it happen. What will you think? No shit you send your guy over so she could see the movie I mean it's almost instinct, seriously
On June 20 2009 09:29 Delerium wrote: that's a pretty cynical way to look at it... can't it be news because it's a touching story?
Well, touching story = attention/money. That's sadly how it works. Her dying wish being to see a movie doesn't make it any more tragic than other death happening daily in the world, no matter how cynical that view may be, but it's potential to be exploited for profit is greater than many other cases which may not be 'newsworthy'. And personally I find that more tragic.
On June 20 2009 09:15 strack wrote: Great marketing for Pixar Maybe If I had a vagina I also would be manipulated by this story. Kids die. It sucks. But why would I be sad if I don't even know this girl?
On June 20 2009 09:29 Delerium wrote: that's a pretty cynical way to look at it... can't it be news because it's a touching story?
Well, touching story = attention/money. That's sadly how it works. Her dying wish being to see a movie doesn't make it any more tragic than other death happening daily in the world, no matter how cynical that view may be, but it's potential to be exploited for profit is greater than many other cases which may not be 'newsworthy'. And personally I find that more tragic.
Wrong. If the new's is on ABC maybe you have a point. But no it's not. Seriously guys nowadays sees everything wrong, just seeing the stereotypes "omg big company = only care for profit = whatever they do is only for profit = they are evil = they can never just act out of kindness" Big company is made of people, and people are generally kind, there is no reason why they can't be nice.
On June 20 2009 09:15 strack wrote: Great marketing for Pixar Maybe If I had a vagina I also would be manipulated by this story. Kids die. It sucks. But why would I be sad if I don't even know this girl?
Awww, what a touching sad story...especially considering the context of the movie (also pretty emotional at times). It does warm my heart she did get to have her dieing wish though, but it doesn't make the context any less touching.
On June 20 2009 09:29 Delerium wrote: that's a pretty cynical way to look at it... can't it be news because it's a touching story?
Well, touching story = attention/money. That's sadly how it works. Her dying wish being to see a movie doesn't make it any more tragic than other death happening daily in the world, no matter how cynical that view may be, but it's potential to be exploited for profit is greater than many other cases which may not be 'newsworthy'. And personally I find that more tragic.
Wrong. If the new's is on ABC maybe you have a point. But no it's not. Seriously guys nowadays sees everything wrong, just seeing the stereotypes "omg big company = only care for profit = whatever they do is only for profit = they are evil = they can never just act out of kindness" Big company is made of people, and people are generally kind, there is no reason why they can't be nice.
he only said it results in attention / money. Not that that was the intention of the company. Like they were looking for a sick kid to market on?
On June 20 2009 09:29 Delerium wrote: that's a pretty cynical way to look at it... can't it be news because it's a touching story?
Well, touching story = attention/money. That's sadly how it works. Her dying wish being to see a movie doesn't make it any more tragic than other death happening daily in the world, no matter how cynical that view may be, but it's potential to be exploited for profit is greater than many other cases which may not be 'newsworthy'. And personally I find that more tragic.
Wrong. If the new's is on ABC maybe you have a point. But no it's not. Seriously guys nowadays sees everything wrong, just seeing the stereotypes "omg big company = only care for profit = whatever they do is only for profit = they are evil = they can never just act out of kindness" Big company is made of people, and people are generally kind, there is no reason why they can't be nice.
Sure, there is no reason to why they wouldn't be nice. But think about it; who would spread these news out? Would Pixar not benefit from having this spread out? It's obvious they would take advantage of such an event for some publicity, and even if it was initiated by some people out of good will, it was most likely exploited by marketing people for some goodwill amongst the public. In the best case we probably wouldn't have heard of this at all. Well, all of this really doesn't matter. The girl sadly died, and got her last will carried out. Personally I don't like reading about these kind of things because of the things most likely going around in the background, which makes me wish things like this wouldn't be published at all, rather being goodwill acts existing in the background.
an employee of the Emeryville-based company arrived at Colby's home with a DVD copy of the movie, which was later ripped and uploaded to the internet by the girl before she died
Sweet!
Sad story and all, but i bet pixar didn't see that one coming.
On June 20 2009 09:29 Delerium wrote: that's a pretty cynical way to look at it... can't it be news because it's a touching story?
Well, touching story = attention/money. That's sadly how it works. Her dying wish being to see a movie doesn't make it any more tragic than other death happening daily in the world, no matter how cynical that view may be, but it's potential to be exploited for profit is greater than many other cases which may not be 'newsworthy'. And personally I find that more tragic.
Wrong. If the new's is on ABC maybe you have a point. But no it's not. Seriously guys nowadays sees everything wrong, just seeing the stereotypes "omg big company = only care for profit = whatever they do is only for profit = they are evil = they can never just act out of kindness" Big company is made of people, and people are generally kind, there is no reason why they can't be nice.
Sure, there is no reason to why they wouldn't be nice. But think about it; who would spread these news out? Would Pixar not benefit from having this spread out? It's obvious they would take advantage of such an event for some publicity, and even if it was initiated by some people out of good will, it was most likely exploited by marketing people for some goodwill amongst the public. In the best case we probably wouldn't have heard of this at all. Well, all of this really doesn't matter. The girl sadly died, and got her last will carried out. Personally I don't like reading about these kind of things because of the things most likely going around in the background, which makes me wish things like this wouldn't be published at all, rather being goodwill acts existing in the background.
Yea, lets shut the family up and keep it all hush hush so that Sushiman gets to feel better.
Anyone who thinks this was a "marketing move" given what we read needs to jump off a cliff since obviously life is so cynical and ugly that its not worth living for them. You're not cool because you're cynical on the internet.
I finally found a place to watch online and the beginning was depressing for Carl. =[ I know it's been said, but man the music matched well and really enhanced the emotions they were trying to convey. That girl died happy (for cancer patients).
an employee of the Emeryville-based company arrived at Colby's home with a DVD copy of the movie, which was later ripped and uploaded to the internet by the girl before she died
On June 20 2009 11:44 Brett wrote: I was about to post about just how pathetic some of the comments are in this thread, but it seems Evan and Fiery have pretty much said it all.
The cynicism in this thread is ridiculous.
Or realistic, everyone has problems, none of them as serious as the person in question, but knowing someone personally and a random person in a tragic situation changes the dynamic of the situation.
I mean yes it sucks, yes it was a compassionate move on Pixar's part, but for everyone else it's just that, why would you get worked up over something like that? I am more inclined to think the people who do have never done any kind of charity/volunteer work beyond donating money, which is perfectly fine, but it just seems so empty to me.
On June 20 2009 11:44 Brett wrote: I was about to post about just how pathetic some of the comments are in this thread, but it seems Evan and Fiery have pretty much said it all.
The cynicism in this thread is ridiculous.
Or realistic, everyone has problems, none of them as serious as the person in question, but knowing someone personally and a random person in a tragic situation changes the dynamic of the situation.
I mean yes it sucks, yes it was a compassionate move on Pixar's part, but for everyone else it's just that, why would you get worked up over something like that? I am more inclined to think the people who do have never done any kind of charity/volunteer work beyond donating money, which is perfectly fine, but it just seems so empty to me.
Agree with your post - We see stories like this everyday, on the news, on the internet, whereever. As I said in my OP, I'm normally immune to these types of things... doesn't mean I'm not empathetic, but sheer volume alone doesn't allow for it, or you'd be consumed by it. This one just personally drew me in, and once empathy set in, it got me. Not knowing someone personally doesn't mean that you can't get 'worked up' about it... it's human nature to be able to put yourself into someone else's shoes. Take this story at face value - it's sad, whether it really hits you or not, doesn't really matter.
To anyone even mentioning pixar, good or bad - they have absolutely nothing to do with the story and in all honesty shouldn't even really be mentioned. They simply did what I believe anyone would have done (I still absolutely love them based on their work alone, but what they did here really was nothing incredibly special, but still good they did).
On June 20 2009 11:44 Brett wrote: I was about to post about just how pathetic some of the comments are in this thread, but it seems Evan and Fiery have pretty much said it all.
The cynicism in this thread is ridiculous.
Or realistic, everyone has problems, none of them as serious as the person in question, but knowing someone personally and a random person in a tragic situation changes the dynamic of the situation.
I mean yes it sucks, yes it was a compassionate move on Pixar's part, but for everyone else it's just that, why would you get worked up over something like that? I am more inclined to think the people who do have never done any kind of charity/volunteer work beyond donating money, which is perfectly fine, but it just seems so empty to me.
This. Thousands of children die every day in ways that are much more tragic than the girl in this story, and that's never news.
On June 20 2009 09:15 strack wrote: Great marketing for Pixar Maybe If I had a vagina I also would be manipulated by this story. Kids die. It sucks. But why would I be sad if I don't even know this girl?
On June 20 2009 09:29 Delerium wrote: that's a pretty cynical way to look at it... can't it be news because it's a touching story?
Well, touching story = attention/money. That's sadly how it works. Her dying wish being to see a movie doesn't make it any more tragic than other death happening daily in the world, no matter how cynical that view may be, but it's potential to be exploited for profit is greater than many other cases which may not be 'newsworthy'. And personally I find that more tragic.
Wrong. If the new's is on ABC maybe you have a point. But no it's not. Seriously guys nowadays sees everything wrong, just seeing the stereotypes "omg big company = only care for profit = whatever they do is only for profit = they are evil = they can never just act out of kindness" Big company is made of people, and people are generally kind, there is no reason why they can't be nice.
Sure, there is no reason to why they wouldn't be nice. But think about it; who would spread these news out? Would Pixar not benefit from having this spread out? It's obvious they would take advantage of such an event for some publicity, and even if it was initiated by some people out of good will, it was most likely exploited by marketing people for some goodwill amongst the public. In the best case we probably wouldn't have heard of this at all. Well, all of this really doesn't matter. The girl sadly died, and got her last will carried out. Personally I don't like reading about these kind of things because of the things most likely going around in the background, which makes me wish things like this wouldn't be published at all, rather being goodwill acts existing in the background.
agree. and i mean cmon....its frekn disney were talking about. if they were to disappoint the family and lil girl, they'd disappoint the whole world. they'll get bad rep and everything. but that didn't happen and they're getting good rep. yay for pixar.
Pixar isn't exploiting this for publicity, stop saying that. This isn't a top story on any main stream news or anything. If someone didn't dig this up and post it here, many of you would have never heard of it. Props for Pixar. I just wish I didn't read it, I don't like being sad
On June 20 2009 14:20 stroggos wrote: how can you guys care for this girl? you don't know her
To care about others of your kind, specially infants with a long life-span ahead; is a natural mechanism developed after millions of years of evolution, by animals that rely on social interaction to have a better chance to pass their genes forward, and for the success of the species. You would know this if you weren't a step backwards in nature.
I sincerely hope this isn't some kind of attempt to grab publicity by Pixar, that would be utterly shameless. This is touching and sad, but shouldn't really be on the news; the family needs their privacy in their time of grief more than Pixar needs to show people how they did a good deed.
If this is not the case and Pixar had nothing to do with this being covered in the news, though, then they truly deserve respect for what they did for this young girl. What would be really cool is if they made a foundation in her name and used some of their profit to fund research to fight childhood cancer.
On June 20 2009 14:36 VIB wrote: To care about others of your kind, specially infants with a long life-span ahead; is a natural mechanism developed after millions of years of evolution, by animals that rely on social interaction to have a better chance to pass their genes forward, and for the success of the species. You would know this if you weren't a step backwards in nature.
Actually, if you had read On the Origin of Species, you would know that this is false; species is not the basic unit of natural selection; humans are only hard-wired (and biological organisms in general) to care for the well-being of those who are likely to carry on their own genes (i.e. family members). This basic concept is group selection; the most successful genes are the ones that increase the chance to replicate and altruistic genes would be taken advantage of by selfish genes. You should probably do your research before you knock somebody and tell them they don't know anything, when your idea of the concept of natural selection (and even what the basic unit of natural selection is in the first place) is erroneous.
On June 20 2009 14:36 VIB wrote: Pixar isn't exploiting this for publicity, stop saying that. This isn't a top story on any main stream news or anything. If someone didn't dig this up and post it here, many of you would have never heard of it. Props for Pixar. I just wish I didn't read it, I don't like being sad
Not to mention, exploiting this for publicity is a far lesser evil than not letting the girl watch the movie. Some of what has been said in this thread is like saying philanthropy by the super rich is bad because it is only done for publicity. So these cynics would prefer to see these big names refrain from doing generous deeds because any attempt at being generous is really just an attempt to gain positive attention. Not trying to gain publicity is more important than doing the right thing for such cynics.
On June 20 2009 14:20 stroggos wrote: how can you guys care for this girl? you don't know her
Shut up kid.Damn you for not caring she was only 10 thats way to young to die...
And being 10 years old and dying and your only wish is to live long enough to see a movie. That is something only a child do, its not like some 80 year old man who wanted to see the animated version of jack lemon in grumpier old men 4.
On June 20 2009 14:20 stroggos wrote: how can you guys care for this girl? you don't know her
For anyone who has ever known someone who has died of cancer, this story hits home hard. I know one person who lived through lukemia, and one who died of cancer.
Just that makes me feel for the girls family. It is extremely hard to watch someone slowly deteriorate the way cancer kills people, its slow, its extremely painful and the survival rate/cure rate is extremely low. It is one of the most horrible things to live through. I am happy the girl got her dying wish and finally after 4 years an escape from the hell she was experiencing, however her family will be unable to recover from this loss, so for them I am truely empathetic for.
On June 20 2009 14:36 VIB wrote: To care about others of your kind, specially infants with a long life-span ahead; is a natural mechanism developed after millions of years of evolution, by animals that rely on social interaction to have a better chance to pass their genes forward, and for the success of the species. You would know this if you weren't a step backwards in nature.
Actually, if you had read On the Origin of Species, you would know that this is false; species is not the basic unit of natural selection; humans are only hard-wired (and biological organisms in general) to care for the well-being of those who are likely to carry on their own genes (i.e. family members). This basic concept is group selection; the most successful genes are the ones that increase the chance to replicate and altruistic genes would be taken advantage of by selfish genes. You should probably do your research before you knock somebody and tell them they don't know anything, when your idea of the concept of natural selection (and even what the basic unit of natural selection is in the first place) is erroneous.
You took my post completely out of the context and your response has zero relation with my post's meaning O.o And please, no further derail, if you wanna argue this, PM or new thread.
On June 20 2009 11:44 Brett wrote: I was about to post about just how pathetic some of the comments are in this thread, but it seems Evan and Fiery have pretty much said it all.
The cynicism in this thread is ridiculous.
Or realistic, everyone has problems, none of them as serious as the person in question, but knowing someone personally and a random person in a tragic situation changes the dynamic of the situation.
I mean yes it sucks, yes it was a compassionate move on Pixar's part, but for everyone else it's just that, why would you get worked up over something like that? I am more inclined to think the people who do have never done any kind of charity/volunteer work beyond donating money, which is perfectly fine, but it just seems so empty to me.
Agree with your post - We see stories like this everyday, on the news, on the internet, whereever. As I said in my OP, I'm normally immune to these types of things... doesn't mean I'm not empathetic, but sheer volume alone doesn't allow for it, or you'd be consumed by it. This one just personally drew me in, and once empathy set in, it got me. Not knowing someone personally doesn't mean that you can't get 'worked up' about it... it's human nature to be able to put yourself into someone else's shoes. Take this story at face value - it's sad, whether it really hits you or not, doesn't really matter.
To anyone even mentioning pixar, good or bad - they have absolutely nothing to do with the story and in all honesty shouldn't even really be mentioned. They simply did what I believe anyone would have done (I still absolutely love them based on their work alone, but what they did here really was nothing incredibly special, but still good they did).
I wasn't attacking anyone for not being moved to tears by the story, I understand your sentiment entirely.
But the posts from people infering that Pixar had set this up as some sort of publicity stunt are utterly retarded.
On June 20 2009 10:03 BalliSLife wrote: honestly strack's post should be a permanent ban
um, why? he was just expressing his opinion, immoral/troll or not. if everyone had the same reaction and opinion what would be the purpose of the thread?
Of course some tl members have to feel the need to throw their balls out on the table in front of everyone all day long, THAT'S stupid. Its why people think the site is going downhill lately. I don't blame them.
This. Thousands of children die every day in ways that are much more tragic than the girl in this story, and that's never news.
You know what, sometimes stories like this MOVE people, sure a million people die everyday, and they don't have every bit of news covered ever in the entire universe. Maybe these moved people to maybe one day be prepared to help aid someone who dies in a bad way. Or take precious moments carefully and live their life much more fully than they used to. I know reality is alot more tragic and unsung, but there are positive things we can regain from nice stories like these. It helps us become better people.
On June 20 2009 22:23 HooHa! wrote: You know what, sometimes stories like this MOVE people, sure a million people die everyday, and they don't have every bit of news covered ever in the entire universe. Maybe these moved people to maybe one day be prepared to help aid someone who dies in a bad way. Or take precious moments carefully and live their life much more fully than they used to. I know reality is alot more tragic and unsung, but there are positive things we can regain from nice stories like these. It helps us become better people.
This. People do die all the time, and often the stories are equally touching if you are a close observer. It's unfortunate that Stalin was kind of right with his infamous quote. An occasional reminder, like this kind of story, can really help people remember why almost everyone they meet, or anyone in trouble, is actually deserving of sympathy and more than just a statistic.
Sad, but very amazing story. Out as all things us humans fight over, strive for, and struggle for is happiness. It's amazing this girl got to be at least a bit happy before finally getting to be at peace.
Up seems like a really great movie as well, when I have a 4-5 year old, I'm going to take her there = )
This article affected me a lot. Really sad... poor girl, poor parents... I can't imagine now the situation of parents. That's really painful. Pixar made a good chose, people working in this factory are smart. That's really great what Pixar did. Anyway....... a young girl who said "I'm ready to pie" is too painful.... Jesus... bless her TT
On June 20 2009 14:36 VIB wrote: Pixar isn't exploiting this for publicity, stop saying that. This isn't a top story on any main stream news or anything. If someone didn't dig this up and post it here, many of you would have never heard of it. Props for Pixar. I just wish I didn't read it, I don't like being sad
On June 20 2009 14:20 stroggos wrote: how can you guys care for this girl? you don't know her
To care about others of your kind, specially infants with a long life-span ahead; is a natural mechanism developed after millions of years of evolution, by animals that rely on social interaction to have a better chance to pass their genes forward, and for the success of the species. You would know this if you weren't a step backwards in nature.
Ok, but you've had no social interaction with this girl whatsoever. The only way you even know she existed is because of this story posted here. The only reason that you can care for her is because of the story posted here.
a few weeks ago If i were to make a smurf account and post a really reliable but fake link to a news website about another kid that died with cancer and wanted to see a movie as a dying wish you would feel the same way. You'd apparently feel very caring for them even though the story would be made up, and the patient never existed.
So really i think your feeling empathy over the story, not the girl. (that is, if you are feeling empathy for this story)
On June 21 2009 01:34 GoSu wrote: This article affected me a lot. Really sad... poor girl, poor parents... I can't imagine now the situation of parents. That's really painful. Pixar made a good chose, people working in this factory are smart. That's really great what Pixar did. Anyway....... a young girl who said "I'm ready to pie" is too painful.... Jesus... bless her TT
You truly are evil evilteletubi!!! YOU MADE ME CRY you bastard!! i never cry noooooo my dream of replacing chucks norris is gone, dude its such a sad story ;(
read that yesterday on msn...so sad. wished she was able to watch in theaters, but a least pixar was kind enough to do a private showing...very touching
an employee of the Emeryville-based company arrived at Colby's home with a DVD copy of the movie, which was later ripped and uploaded to the internet by the girl before she died
On June 20 2009 17:11 opsayo wrote: I am so fucking mad that some of you are not as sad as me.
Way to fail @ being compassionate. If you're sad, what the fuck do you care about what others think? You're just selfish, and it makes you feel good that you're sad for said girl, because you think it makes you a better person. And it makes you angry that others are not because they obviously don't appreciate your "dedication".
Sorry but Stroggos is kind-of right. There are hundreds of kids her age who die each day. All cases are equally sad, but we can't possibly feel bad for all of them. Nobody would be happy ever again.
On June 20 2009 17:11 opsayo wrote: I am so fucking mad that some of you are not as sad as me.
Way to fail @ being compassionate. If you're sad, what the fuck do you care about what others think? You're just selfish, and it makes you feel good that you're sad for said girl, because you think it makes you a better person. And it makes you angry that others are not because they obviously don't appreciate your "dedication".
God damn it I can't believe you didn't understand what he was trying to say.
EPT
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