“The Power of Two” - A Story of Twin Sisters, Two Cultures and Two New 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 the fatal genetic disease 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…”
• For more information on the film: www.thepoweroftwomovie.com.

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

Jerry Cahill has been an inspiration to the CF community for many years.  His message of living, breathing, and succeeding has touched the lives of many people living with cystic fibrosis.

Recently, we tagged along with him on the way to Milwaukee, where he spoke to packed house at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.  Jerry's message was clear - everyone with CF should be exercising and getting involved in the CF community.  Jerry talks about his lifelong struggle with CF and his no-nonsense approach to managing CF on a daily basis.

To learn more about Jerry Cahill, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, and cystic fibrosis, be sure to visit our website at www.esiason.org. Share your thoughts and stories with Jerry by e-mailing him at jcahill@esiason.org.