Watch My Flesh and Blood

My Flesh and Blood is a 2003 documentary film that follows the lives of Susan Tom, a single mother who fosters and adopts a group of eleven children, most of whom have disabilities. The film was directed by Jonathan Karsh and produced by Jennifer Chaiken and Jonathan Karsh. The movie captures the day-to-day struggles and triumphs of the Tom family, as they work to provide a stable and loving home for their children. Susan Tom’s biological son, Anthony, is also featured prominently in the film. He is the eldest of the children, and despite his own health problems, serves as a caregiver and advocate for his siblings.

The movie explores themes such as disability, family, compassion, and the challenges of raising a large family. Through interviews with Susan, Anthony, and the other children, the audience gains insight into the complex dynamics of this unconventional family.

The children come from a variety of backgrounds and have different disabilities. Some have cerebral palsy, while others have rare genetic disorders or mental health issues. The film shows how Susan Tom and her family work to provide medical care, education, and emotional support for each of the children.

One of the most compelling storylines in the movie involves the relationship between Anthony and his sister, Faith. Faith has a rare skin condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa, which causes her skin to blister and peel at the slightest touch. Despite her physical limitations, she has a remarkable spirit and enjoys playing sports and spending time with her family.

Anthony acts as Faith's primary caregiver, helping to dress and bathe her and tend to her wounds. He is fiercely protective of her and sees her as a source of inspiration. In one poignant scene, Anthony describes how much Faith means to him, saying, “She’s my reason for getting up every day.”

The movie also shows the challenges that the family faces, such as financial strain, managing multiple medical appointments, and dealing with the emotional stress of caring for children with complex needs. Susan Tom is a tireless advocate for her children, often fighting with doctors, school officials, and government agencies to ensure that her children receive the care and resources they need.

Despite the difficulties, the film celebrates the resilience and love of the Tom family. The children form close bonds with each other, and the film shows how they support and encourage one another. In one memorable scene, the family celebrates Anthony's graduation from high school with a tearful ceremony, where all the children express their love and admiration for their brother.

Overall, My Flesh and Blood is an uplifting and heartwarming documentary that offers a glimpse into the lives of a remarkable family. Through their struggles and triumphs, the Tom family demonstrates the power of love and the importance of compassion and understanding for those with disabilities.

My Flesh and Blood is a 2002 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3 and a MetaScore of 78.