Guest guest Posted May 15, 2004 Report Share Posted May 15, 2004 http://www.tvbarn.com/ticker/archives/020246.html Film Was Honored With Two Awards At Sundance Film Festival .... adopting 11 special-needs children and giving them love, hope and as close to a normal childhood as possible. ... Acknowledging that the children¹s disabilities can initially seem shocking and even hard to watch, he notes, ³The first time you see the family you try not to stare. Five minutes later you realize that these are just kids with an amazing amount of confidence, spirit and energy.² The Tom kids openly and naturally deal with challenges and everyday events, from holidays to hospital visits, baths to birthdays, displaying a perseverance that dispels preconceived notions about the limitations of physical challenges. The family revolves around a kind-hearted, no-nonsense divorced single mother whose birth children left the nest years ago. ... 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. , 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, 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, ³When I¹m older and I¹m grown up, I¹ll look like a regular person.² Margaret, 18, who survived childhood epilepsy and is now ³second-in-command² in the Tom household. Overwhelmed by her role as her siblings¹ 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. ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.