Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, myself, & Anabel Stenzel

A few weeks ago I traveled to Fargo. I was able to attend a viewing at the Fargo film Festival about a documentary called The Power of Two The story is about twin sisters that both have cystic fibrosis and also both received double lung transplants. I was fortunate enough to meet both of the sisters, Isabel (Isa) and Anabel (Ana), along with some of the film crew. Isa and Ana are two of the kindest, most inspiring people I’ve ever met. Their story is of hope. Not only for those living with cystic fibrosis, but to those waiting for transplants. The documentary also compares the donation system between the United States and Japan. It was beautifully choreographed and has been receiving awards all around the world.

I was overwhelmed by Isa and Ana’s generosity. In between the morning and evening viewings of the film there was a lunch and panel discussion. The panel included the film crew, a Fargo CF doctor, Fargo CF patient who has also received lungs, Susan from LifeSource, and a Fargo liver and kidney surgeon. Isa and Ana asked if I would join the discussion as well, I couldn’t believe they wanted me to take part. The discussion was fabulous and at this point I could hardly wait for the 7:00 viewing. The film was beautifully choreographed and blew my expectations away. I can’t wait for the wide release on cable/satellite and digital broadband on June 5th!

After the viewing I thanked Isa and Ana. I wanted to buy their book but good news for them, they sold out! My copy just arrived in the mail a couple of days ago. Both of them signed it with very sweet words. I am hoping there will be a viewing here in Minneapolis in the near future. I will keep you posted if that is the case.