My Flesh and Blood opens with an uproarious Halloween celebration that refutes the stereotype of disabled children as victims, and ends as the family celebrates an unlikely birthday while confronting an enormous loss. Along with Susan Tom, the documentary focuses on five of her children, including:
Joe, 15, who struggles with both cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that traps mucus in the lungs, and bipolar disorder. Born to a drug-addicted mother, he must confront psychological challenges and chemical imbalances, at times terrorizing his family, but at other times displaying a tenderer side.
Anthony, 19, who suffers from the painful and degenerative genetic skin disorder epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The gene that produces collagen is defective in EB patients, causing the skin to blister and fall off with the slightest touch. Despite his debilitating physical condition and constant pain, Anthony is an uncomplaining, easygoing teen who loves life and performs in school plays.
Xenia, 13, a well-adjusted, athletic, boy-crazy burst of youthful energy – despite being born without legs.
Faith, 8, who was critically burned by her birth parents in a crib fire as an infant, and is a fiercely intelligent young girl, one of the top students in her class. Despite being severely disfigured, Faith remains optimistic, observing, “When I’m older and I’m grown up, I’ll look like a regular person.”
Margaret, 18, who survived childhood epilepsy and is now “second-in-command” in the Tom household. Overwhelmed by her role as her siblings’ caregiver, she is now at a crossroads in life, torn between responsibilities at home and the desire to get an education and move out on her own.
Released 2003.
