Recently I had the pleasure of watching a documentary film called “39 Pounds of Love” before the general release. I was so moved by it that I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Ami Ankilewitz is that 39 pounds of love and he’s full of love and passion for life. He was diagnosed with a rare disease called spinal muscular dystrophy. 39 pounds is about 18 kilos. Can you imagine not being able to move your body? Can you imagine being confined to a wheelchair all your life? This sickness left Ami with one finger to move on his left hand but that didn’t stop him from doing what he loves. With just one finger, he’s now a talented 3D animator.
On Ami’s 34th birthday he made a wish to do a cross country trip in the States. Despite his mother’s plea, Ami was determined to make his dream come true. His best friend told him that it’d be a dangerous journey. Ami’s reply was brilliant, “Crossing the street is dangerous!” Ain’t that the truth?! More people lost their lives on the road than any fatal disease that’s known in this world.
When asked about the mission of the cross country trip, he said, “Going cross country for me is like climbing Mt. Everest for you! And I want to show the world that anything is possible!”
I never thought about climbing the Himalayas; but I do know that the last time we experienced a blackout I almost passed out from walking up 15 flights of stairs just to go home. Obviously most of us don’t challenge ourselves like Ami does even though we have total control over our arms and legs.
During the cross country trip Ami came to terms with his brother whom he had a falling out a few years back. It just goes to show that there’s nothing thicker than blood. On top of that Ami decided to find the doctor who told his mother that he wouldn’t live over the age of six. Facing your own demon is easily said than done.
Ami fell in love with his caretaker Christina and eventually confided in her. The result was disappointing. Surprisingly, Ami quickly put an end to it and asked Christina to leave. She seemed shocked by his reaction but had no choice. Ami may be fragile physically but deep down he’s more confident and a lot stronger than most of us.
This documentary film is not looking for your sympathy. Ami’s story is inspiring because no one should ever give up hopes for life although his doctor’s prediction of life expectancy was six years. And everyone should embrace chances for love even if he only weighs 39 pounds.
For more information: www.39poundsoflove.com;
Ami Ankilewitz is that 39 pounds of love and he’s full of love and passion for life. He was diagnosed with a rare disease called spinal muscular dystrophy. 39 pounds is about 18 kilos. Can you imagine not being able to move your body? Can you imagine being confined to a wheelchair all your life? This sickness left Ami with one finger to move on his left hand but that didn’t stop him from doing what he loves. With just one finger, he’s now a talented 3D animator.
On Ami’s 34th birthday he made a wish to do a cross country trip in the States. Despite his mother’s plea, Ami was determined to make his dream come true. His best friend told him that it’d be a dangerous journey. Ami’s reply was brilliant, “Crossing the street is dangerous!” Ain’t that the truth?! More people lost their lives on the road than any fatal disease that’s known in this world.
When asked about the mission of the cross country trip, he said, “Going cross country for me is like climbing Mt. Everest for you! And I want to show the world that anything is possible!”
I never thought about climbing the Himalayas; but I do know that the last time we experienced a blackout I almost passed out from walking up 15 flights of stairs just to go home. Obviously most of us don’t challenge ourselves like Ami does even though we have total control over our arms and legs.
During the cross country trip Ami came to terms with his brother whom he had a falling out a few years back. It just goes to show that there’s nothing thicker than blood. On top of that Ami decided to find the doctor who told his mother that he wouldn’t live over the age of six. Facing your own demon is easily said than done.
Ami fell in love with his caretaker Christina and eventually confided in her. The result was disappointing. Surprisingly, Ami quickly put an end to it and asked Christina to leave. She seemed shocked by his reaction but had no choice. Ami may be fragile physically but deep down he’s more confident and a lot stronger than most of us.
This documentary film is not looking for your sympathy. Ami’s story is inspiring because no one should ever give up hopes for life although his doctor’s prediction of life expectancy was six years. And everyone should embrace chances for love even if he only weighs 39 pounds.
For more information: www.39poundsoflove.com;
