The Power of Two-Movie Notes

In my 7th grade science class, Mr. Linch would often show a movie and require us to write down at least 10 or 15 facts from the movie.  Of course, I would try to write down my notes within the first 5 minutes of the movie so I could goof off the rest of class.  While I don't really remember anything from that class (7th grade was 20 years ago), I do remember Mr. Linch was one of my favorite science teachers.  In honor of Mr. Linch and my love of science, here are 10 movies notes from the recent Sonoma County screening of The Power of Two!

1. The Power of Two follows the lives of the Stenzel twins, Ana and Isa.  They have Cystic Fibrosis and both received the gift of life through organ donation. 

2. The Stenzel twins are Japanese Americans.  Cystic Fibrosis is not common in the Japanese population.  Care for those living with CF in Japan is archaic, as many resources and medications that are common in most developed nations for CF patients are not available in Japan. 

3. Organ donation in Japan is not common.  In 2008 only 198 transplants took place.  While in the United State over 28,000 transplants took place in the same year. 

4. While the primary focus of the documentary was Ana and Isa experience with CF and transplant, the secondary focus was the concerns with organ donation in Japan.  Less than 1% of the Japanese population are registered organ donors. 

5. Ana and Isa are advocates for organ donation.  They have toured around the United States to share their story and spread awareness about organ donation. 

6. They traveled to Japan to share their story in hope to change the view of the culture's perception on organ donation.  Not only where they able to influence a change in the law to make organ donation a more feasible option, they also facilitate the availability of four CF medications in Japan. (I think last fact as provided after the movie and not actually part of the movie).

7. The documentary uncovers the raw emotions of living with Cystic Fibrosis.  Both sisters faced end-stage lung disease.  Niether Ana or Isa would of survived without organ donation.  Hearing their accounts of facing end-stage lung disease was powerful and emotional. 

8. The reality of Cystic Fibrosis is always hard to watch.  "This will be me someday" is a difficult reality to face. 

9. Hearing Ana and Isa's stories help keep me focused on taking the best care of myself.  It motivational and inspirational.  Not just in my own health, but being part of a community and making a difference.

10. These woman are very brave for sharing their story.  From their emotions to actually showing their scars, they bear it all.  In my own life, I still don't really want to talk about CF with people.  But it is important.  This film will help me to be more comfortable with telling my story.