01
THE FILM
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The short documentary “Still Breathing” will be an observational documentary following a 22 year old cystic fibrosis patient who lives in Guelph ON named Pearl Cooley. In the documentary, we will accompany Pearl through her daily routines and obstacles as she manages her disease, and see what her life is like post transplant. We will have the opportunity to visit Pearl’s home where she spends hours a day doing her medications, and even take a visit to St.Michaels Hospital to talk to the lead doctors and nurses who helped Pearl during of her months pre-transplant.
03
THE GOAL
The goal of this film is to display Pearls transformation as she regained her strength and determination to live with her new set of lungs. Her passion for helping others and animals has lead her to working closely with the Guelph Animal Humane Society, creating her own charities, and going back to school to pursue kinesiology.
After viewing this film, we would like the audience to leave with increase in knowledge on CF, and to feel inspired to chase their own goals and dreams no matter the challenges they face at the moment.
02
THE FACTS
"Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. At present, there is no cure."——Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease of the mucus and sweat glands. It affects mostly your lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and sex organs. CF causes your mucus to be thick and sticky. The mucus clogs the lungs, causing breathing problems and making it easy for bacteria to grow. This can lead to repeated lung infections and lung damage.
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Cystic fibrosis signs and symptoms vary, depending on the severity of the disease. Even in the same person, symptoms may worsen or improve as time passes. Some people may not experience symptoms until adolescence or adulthood.
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CF is diagnosed through various tests, such as gene, blood, and sweat tests. There is no cure for CF, but treatments have improved greatly in recent years. In the past, most deaths from CF were in children and teenagers. Today, with improved treatments, some people who have CF are living into their forties, fifties, or older. Treatments may include chest physical therapy, nutritional and respiratory therapies, medicines, and exercise.
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Retrieved from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353700
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