Groundbreaking Cystic Fibrosis Documentary Follows Three Patients in Their Daily Lives

Directed by Olivia Prinz, the award-winning Three Lives is a documentary that illuminates the daily struggles and triumphs of three people living with cystic fibrosis. The UCO Media documentary offered a platform through which the patients could share their feelings and fears with the general public regarding the disease. In effect, it has transcended being just a film about cystic fibrosis, rather tackling the human condition as a whole. Through an intimate analysis of goals and fears, the filmmakers found that, with or without cystic fibrosis, everyone shares daily struggles and triumphs. 

Kori Tolbert had previously approached UCO Media with her desire to show viewers not simply the depressing part of an unfortunate disease, but also the wholesome view of the people living with it. She was approached a couple years later to be a part of the film.

The film’s main goal was to portray the pleasure and pain everybody goes through, but particularly those of people with cystic fibrosis. The manner in which these dichotomies manifest themselves is shown in the journeys of three individuals affected by cystic fibrosis. Regardless of the hurdles we face, our power and attitude can create a life that is better or worse, depending on our choice.

• Brianna Collichio: 11-year-old Brianna Collichio from outside Rochester, New York was born with cystic fibrosis. However, she has still managed to follow her dream of singing, which is otherwise difficult with such a condition where the lungs are attacked. Yet she is able to do what she loves, singing for many NFL football games.
• Kyle Schuhart: At 20 years old, Kyle Schuhart found himself worrying how his condition would affect his relationship prospects. He often wondered if he would ever find a true companion who would be willing to stand by him as he deals with cystic fibrosis.
• Kori Tolbert: In order to portray her longing to start a family, Kori decided to use the documentary as her method of expression. Due to her condition, she has struggled to accept her reduced life expectancy and thus her limited time with family.

Kori found it was not easy to share openly about her disease, and it was also a bit frightening since it was all recorded, but everyone else involved felt that it was important and meaningful. The best possible way to enable true awareness is to let people in and show them day-to-day life with cystic fibrosis. The film is not just for those who are aware of the condition or who want to learn more, but also for those suffering from it. Meeting others can be difficult due to the risk of cross-contamination lung disease in people with cystic fibrosis. The documentary, though, shows patients that they are not alone in their struggles.

Positive Outlook

In order to alleviate the everyday pain of cystic fibrosis, patients need to change their outlook. Kori Tolbert displayed this through her own example by writing uplifting messages on all her medications and treatments. In one instance, she wrote “Love and Gratitude” on her IV bags. She wanted to show that she was filled with love and gratitude despite the hardships brought on by the disease. She even started a program for children called Booster Jots, which involves the use of medical labels. By supplying design labels, the children, and adults as well, can feel empowered throughout their medical routines. Some have written “super powers” on the labels so that children believe the medications are a special concoction that boost energy. Through this program, treatment becomes fun, especially for those who fail to understand their condition.