Sholtes: “Several years ago, as a family therapist specializing in chronic conditions, I began video-taping the illness narratives of my clients. I was curious about the choices they were making for their lives and their health, and I realized how powerful it was to see them voice their stories. Talking to the camera seemed to help them as they struggled to come to grips with their situations. It wasn’t enough that they had to face losing their health--sometimes they also lost their jobs, health insurance, and in some cases their loved ones.

I also have lived with a chronic illness for the past 30 years, and I could relate to the frustration, discouragement and feelings of being pushed aside and forgotten. It made sense to me to bring these people together. Their illnesses might be different, but they all shared stories of how they were trying to improve their lives, despite intense challenges. They had all developed unique and inspiring solutions to life-altering and traumatic situations.

The group provided a place for all of us to share our stories, to know that we are not alone, and to learn we had valuable wisdom for each other. I also introduced the group to NIA—a form of exercise with elements from dance, martial arts, yoga and other mind-body techniques—which I had found healing in my own life and felt would connect them to their bodies in a new way.

The richness we experienced in Caring Voices made me want to reach out to a greater audience. There are at least 50 million--and some reputable sources say 100 million--Americans who suffer from chronic illness or disabilities, and the number of family members who are also affected by caregiving duties and costs is staggering. As America ages and health care improves, that number will continue to grow rapidly.

I felt the best way to reach other patients and health care providers was to make a documentary film portraying the journeys of some of my most outspoken clients. Rather than being defined by their illnesses, they have chosen a different path. The film celebrates their will and determination not to allow a disease to diminish them. It is an intimate portrait of their struggles to replace grief with action, and to show how they’ve found a path to graceful yet active acceptance, without bitterness and self-pity.”