"I try to reassure everyone who has been affected by this disease that CF isn't the end of the world if you don't want it to be."
The experience of living with cystic fibrosis is markedly different today than it was decades ago. Thanks to the discovery of the CF gene, the availability of effective drug therapies and advances in technology, the 30,000 Americans who deal with the disease day in and day out are living longer and fuller lives. In a word, they are thriving.
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Podcast 108: “The Power of Two” - A Story of Twin Sisters, Two Cultures and Two Chances at Life

Marc Smolowitz, making his directorial debut, speaks about “The Power of Two” documentary film.

“The Power of Two” offers an intimate portrayal of the bond between half–Japanese twin sisters, Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, their battle with cystic fibrosis and the miraculous survival through double-lung transplants.

  • “Reading their book sealed the deal to make the film. Ana and Isa are great writers,” Marc says.
  • Marc enjoys heath care storytelling that lends itself to bigger and more personal issues. “Seeing what patients go through with a chronic illness is very powerful,” Marc says.
  • “Most people take breathing for granted, but it is amazing what people with CF go through just to breathe… I tried to focus a lot on breathing throughout the film,” he says.
  • Marc’s trip to Japan with Ana and Isa was amazing. “Ana and Isa are cultural ambassadors.”
  • “The Power of Two” engages the multiple communities: cystic fibrosis; transplant; and medical and health care. “Engage with us…”

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation.

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