MY FLESH AND BLOOD
Sunday March 7, 2004 at 10pm ET/PT
repeating Sunday May 14, 2006 at 10pm ET

Susan Tom, the indefatigably caring and devoted adoptive mother …could prompt you to re-evaluate your definition of love.  N.Y. Times

My Flesh and Blood is a riveting and at times heartbreaking film that follows single mother Susan Tom and her 11 adopted special needs children. Susan Tom is a spirited mother whose love knows no bounds. Her daily life brings her challenges that would crush most people. The story of this remarkable woman and her unique household are captured in this deeply affecting documentary.

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To learn more about the "My Flesh and Blood" visit the film's website.
Read a review of "My Flesh and Blood" on About.com.

The loving but firm Susan Tom, who has two birth-children, never had any grand plans for adopting those with special needs. But after adopting a young girl who was recovering from brain surgery, she reasoned when you've got three, a few more wouldn't make that much of a difference. But it's been a challenge. Tom's grocery bills alone top $600.00 a week.  And she has no income but the money she receives from the Adoption Assistance Program in the California town where she lives. Among her children are Faith, severely burned as an infant in a crib fire; Xenia, born without legs; and Anthony, born with a genetic disease that causes his skin to blister with the slightest touch. All are flourishing in surprising ways despite their physical disabilities. It is Joe, who suffers from Bipolar Disorder and Cystic Fibrosis, that is Susan's greatest challenge.

My Flesh and Blood was a big winner at the 2003 Sundance Festival, winning both  Audience Choice award as well as Best Feature Director for three-time Emmy Award-winner Jonathan Karsh. It also won the audience choice award at the prestigious Amsterdam Documentary Festival, and was selected as the opening night film for Hot Docs last spring. A realistic, sobering, yet also incredibly inspiring look at a year in the life of a truly unique household, My Flesh and Blood examines the way one unconventional family draws strength from their struggles and reveals how parents like Susan are filling the gaps in an increasingly overwhelmed and under-resourced foster care system.

MY FLESH and BLOOD was directed by Jonathan Karsh, and produced by Jennifer Chaiken.