"In Sickness and in Health(care)" A Short Film

Update March 2: I'm so excited to let you know about the film festival circuit, and hopes for the future of the film!

Update Sept 1st: One thing I've learned in this process is that I do, indeed, prefer to be behind the camera! But I wanted to make sure you know where things stand with the film, and that the project continues to move forward!

Update June 14th: Please enjoy a brief tour of the insanity that is currently my house in pre-production mode!

Update May 11th: Thank you to all those who have donated so far!

The Story

I have until the end of May to raise money for a short film. See the video above for a quick introduction to this story!

The Poem

“In Sickness and in Health(care)” is a poem my anesthesiologist brother, Conrad, wrote and dedicated to his wife Bekah:

You never know when patients thank you,

For starry alarms and inky pages

when you rolled over and went back to sleep

(I have that effect on people)

And even the one you turned off,

For every holiday a day late or early;

somebody has to work on Valentine's Day—

For smiling at my doctor costume,

the hem dyed with one fresh red drop—

For cooking, cutting, stuffing and serving turkey,

and everything else, even after I promised—

For the solitary elf, and the single spouse,

celebrating a new year alone with friends—

For each half of a concert, movie, dinner, party,

and every incomplete family picture—

for yet another anniversary,

when we were the only ones who knew it—

Today a patient asked me to thank you.

It was published in Anesthesiology in April 2019.

I first read it when a friend of mine who read the journal texted me a picture and asked if that was my brother.

I read it and cried.

Because I’ve seen Bekah bring my nephews to family events alone. And heard her mention in passing that Conrad was presenting at a conference on the other side of the country. And host my family for Christmas just weeks after giving birth to her 4th child — while my brother was on call the whole week.

And I knew this was a story I wanted to tell.

The Film

The story centers around the memories and marriage of a doctor and his wife. A photo album left on the wife’s nightstand in the pre-dawn leads her on a tender walk down memory lane. Each room she enters holds both the captured moment from the book, and a flashback to the joys and sacrifices that made it possible.

The film explores a family’s sacrifices for a successful career, and a couple's determination to maintain their marriage despite late nights, early mornings, and holidays apart.

Does This Story Remind You Of Someone?

I’m not the only person who has seen this amazing dedication in a family member or friend. There are spouses of medical professionals, military, law enforcement, first responders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs who leave loved ones at home in order to go out and make a difference in the world.

As a young filmmaker, I don’t have much to offer my generous donors. But I can make sure this film gets made so you can share it with your loved ones. All donors will get access to watch the final video!

For those who donate $1,000 or more, I'll include a dedication in the film's credits where you can add the name of your loved one.

What Does It Take To Make A Short Film?

I’m well into pre-production for this 6-minute, live-action short film. The script is complete, the production team and lead talent are assembled, and I plan to film June 15-17, 2023 with about 6 crew and 10 cast.

I've been very fortunate to find talented filmmakers willing to help me without charging for their time (which would blow the entire budget quickly!).

Even so, a well-run production needs the basics to get off the ground. Each category is a least a few hundred dollars to cover expenses, and in some cases, like camera, props, and each of the post-production categories, the cost can quickly become several thousand.

Camera Rental

Lighting and Grip Equipment

Sound Gear

Location Fees

Props and Set Decoration

Wardrobe Purchases

Hair and Makeup Expenses

Cast Thank Yous

Logistics: food and water so no one passes out on us!

Post Production: Editing, Coloring, Sound Design, Music, Graphics and Visual Effects

Film Festival Application Fees

As you can see, there are many moving parts, and costs add up FAST! (For some context, big Hollywood productions can spend more than $450,000 per day while filming!)

To everyone who choses to back this project: Thank you! I will be putting my heart and soul into this film because I truly believe this is a story that needs to be shared. Your support makes this labor of love easier!

Thank you!