Holding On

Holding On features three couples coping with the resultant physiological, cognitive, emotional, sexual, and social issues of disability. Twenty years ago film producer and Flynn Center Director John Killacky (one of the subjects of this film) was partially paralyzed from unexpected complications from surgery. Holding On begins with his husband and himself discussing their experiences. World-renowned cellist Joan Jeanrenaud (formerly of Kronos Quartet) then discusses living with multiple sclerosis with her caregiving partner. Finally, painter and UC Berkeley professor Katherine Sherwood and her husband frankly discuss the impact of her stroke on their family. Society empathizes with the disabled one in a relationship, and caregivers have little opportunity to be heard. Holding On seeks to draw out caregiver’s perspectives, insights, and realities.