I have recommended this film to several friends of mine with MS.  I met Dan many years ago when I was in college with his brother.  The Aronie family is an inspiration to all.

I also have MS, and I agree with Dan about the struggles, hardships, and frustrations that we, people with MS, have to live day by day.  But I dissagree with him, Marcia, and any other person who would question God for what’s happening to us.  Maybe because I believe that instead of this disease making me bitter, it could make me better; not physically, but spiritually. Even though I didn’t choose to live like this, I can choose how I’m going to react to the fact that “my time in this world could be ending earlier than I expected”.  I can choose to be bitter and blame God and the entire world for what’s happening to me, or I can choose to thank God that even though I don’t have good health, I have my family, friends, mind, but over all, I have the joy to know that there is another life waiting for me to live, an eternal one where there will be no more sorrows, no more pains, and no more physical limitations.(2Corinthians 4:16-18)and (2Corinthians 5:1-8) Jesus didn’t say that we’d never have tribulations, He said that in the world we will have tribulations, but that He had overcome the world. (John 16:33) Faith and hope in God is what can really help us to deal with everything in our lives, even MS!!!
Remember Dan, we aren’t the only ones with “MS”, because it is a fact that it affects people from all kinds of age, nationality or religion.  And it is also a fact Dan, “Jesus DOES LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN THINK!!” Thank you for sharing your story with others!  GOD BLESS YOU!!

“Is it ‘enough’ just to be loved?” A pretty sincere question. Could you really find happiness in life, aside from all material objects, maybe even in the midst of some traumatic experience… being homeless, loss of mobility or health decline. Is it enough to make this life worth living, just knowing that you’re loved and have altered the lives of others or inspired others in a positive way. Could you find happiness in the onlything that may truly still be free… love? If you would’ve asked me before this, i may have had a different answer. Dan has made a difference to anyone who’ll spend an hour of their life to understand his life struggle.

I’ve watched your film twice now.  I have tried to spread it along to others who have written to me, with their kleenex in one hand.

I have Primary Progressive MS.  I’ve had it 20 years but it is now really beginning to affect those around me who have to help me.

BTW, I’ve known several people like the man, Dan, in the film.  The tremors.... Wow.  Found with one guy if he would not look at the object he was trying to reach he had a better chance of grabbing whatever.  Something about the eyes not being in sync with the tremor-filled arms and hands.

And I’m like Dan, how could a God do this to his people?

I’ve had relapsing/remitting MS since I was 25yrs old. I am now 39, and have yet to learn the acceptance that you hold. I admire your courage and hope I can one day feel your love for life. I am the angry and abled body that you chose not to become. After watching your documentary, I know that I have to reconsider my choice. Thank you for being open and sharing your story-Ann

Very inspiring!  Been a very rough, life-changing year for me and you reminded me we never know what tomorrow holds.  We just have to keep fighting and doing what good we can.  Recents events have caused my grandmother to live with my mother and me.  She is 87 and is in the moderate stage of Alzehmiers, and lost her husband of 25 years a month ago.  The trama has given her sort of a set back but I try to explain that it is a New Beginning.  Of course, my hope is in the Lord.  I hope you have found a place to put your faith in - you seem like a wise person from the conflict in which you life has gone through.  My prayers are with you and your family and keep fighting the fight…

Thank you Dan, for sharing your story. My husband was diagnosed with Progressive MS in 1982. He is almost 53 and we have been married almost 10 years. Your story just reminds me of how lucky I am to have met & married such a wonderful guy. He is my hero and has showed me the true meaning of living life to the fullest, and loving unconditionally. You have a wonderful support group and I hope you keep your sense of humor, through the rough days you must face.

Dan, thanks for sharing your story.  Because you have, your journey has touched so many people and will change how they view their trials and tribulations because we all have them.  What a fantastic impact you have made.  All the best to you and your family!

I enjoyed watching your film so much.  I was inspired by the love and laughter in your life.  What a wonderful family and support group you have!  I loved your constant sense of humor, despite all the trials of your life.  Your struggles make my small inconveniences seem so trivial.  I only hope that if I ever have a serious illness, I can face it with courage, just as you have.

Thank you for sharing your life with me.

Cheryl

im 25 years old and i was diagnosed at 21 with MS.. i spent a long time in denial.. i guess it finally sank in when my symptoms would come n go and mess with my strength n coordination..im fortunate that i have not progressed but then again idk what will happen in the future.. i could only hope to have that strength and drive if that situation should arise like u have..u truley are an inspirationt to all of us young ones afflicted with such a pain in the ### disease.. i do wish the best… jackie

What a beautiful story and family. I sincerely wish you all the best!

Wow, this video has really changed out I look at the world. I’m glad a watched this movie. It reminds me of Christopher Reeve’s Spinal Cord struggles. Keep fighting Dan, we know you can do it and I know it feels like God isn’t helping but really he is. Good luck.  *hugs to you Dan*

I know its hard to see this but God has already blessed you in so many ways. Look at your family (truly remarkable) Look at your spirit(amazing). You may not have the ability to do all the things you want but you sure have been an inspiration for others. Thank you and God bless you

Ive been living with MS for the past 6 1/2 years it hard to watch your families struggle, but i know he is very blessed to have all the help that your family has given to him so for that i even Thank You

Ive been living with MS for the past 6 1/2 years it hard to watch your families struggle, but i know he is very blessed to have all the help that your family has given to him so for that i even Thank You

Wonderful movie. Inspiring despite the awfulness of this disease. Dan you’re a movie star anyway now!!

my god you have gone through alot, i hope you find a way to get better soon, god bless

just wow very sad yet very bright i love this video and i hope that you get through this because its hard to see people like you that had a future just taken away from you after just one night....

Dan, I know you feel like God doesn’t care but He really does and He will always love you.  Just stay close to him and I promise everything will be ok.

This is by far the most amazing and eye opening video I have ever seen. Dan, you are an inspiring person, and the fact that you let your mother document this is touching, because it opens peoples eyes and shows everyone how taking life for granted is just not the way to live. I hope you keep hanging in there you are truly remarkable. This video should be shown to all kids everywhere because although it is at times very sad, so many people could benefit from this and it would help make a more grateful world. Once again, thank you for doing what you have done.

This is by far the most amazing and eye opening video I have ever seen. Dan, you are an inspiring person, and the fact that you let your mother document this is touching, because it opens peoples eyes and shows everyone how taking life for granted is just not the way to live. I hope you keep hanging in there you are truly remarkable. This video should be shown to all kids everywhere because although it is at times very sad, so many people could benefit from this and it would help make a more grateful world. Once again, thank you for doing what you have done.

Mr.dan im only 18 n i was taking life for granted n i am truly srry i was...u opened up my eyes and have made me a better person u r a remarkable man and im glad i stopped to watch this...u r a hero...please take care n just remember that there are shitloads of people out there who care just like me

Dan,
I didn’t know the extent of things and give you and your family so much credit.  As a mother of two boys, and the second one having complications at birth this past December, I know how heart renching it is for a mother to see there child in pain.  I miss you very much and hope something is going to come you and your families way, positively.  DO NOT give up, although, i am sure it is very hard.  Some thing will break.  I send you all of my strength and good karma and am hoping for the best for all of you.  Thank you so much for the video.  Thank you to Gerald who filmed it.  We don’t have a lot, but i will donate to MS foundations,w hat ever I can.  Rory

this is incredible, you are an inspiring person and i truly respect you for that.  thank you so much for allowing us to view your life, you are a hero and i hope you will continue to believe in what you do.  i wish you the best of life

I am praying for you Dan, you have worked hard, and pushed through.  I would like to suggest that you read Job.  My wife too has MS and it is a long hard struggle, she has dealt with many things, including Trigeminal Neuralgia, she has kept her faith in God, knowing that He could heal her here, but if he doesn’t it is not in His will.  She will be healed one day, and get to spend eternity with our Father in Heaven. God allowed his Son to be on nailed to the cross for us, for all of our sin. Thank you for sharing your story.

I’m very proud of you Dan..My sister also has the progressive MS..She also developed seizures because of it..Thank you for sharing your story..God Bless

Earlier in the documentary Dan had mentioned how he either couldn’t ski anymore, or missed skiing.  I wonder if he or his family have heard of National Sports Center for the Disabled?  They are located in Winter Park, Colorado and are (I believe) the largest disabled ski and outdoor activity program in the world.  They have a small group of full time employees who are supported by a large number of volunteers, and they assist people with everything from MS to autism to amputations rediscover the joy of outdoor activities.  I would highly recommend, if interested, that they check out NSCD to see what they offer.  Thank you so much for the documentary and best of luck in the future.  cheers!

Dan........It is truly amazing how you guys continue to forge forward under such extreme circumstances. My brother also has MS and your life mirrors his in so many ways. Thanks for sharing your story.....

i am honored to have had the opportunity to get such a wonderful peek into your life, dan. you just keep truckin’ no matter what comes your way, and your personality just sends me to the moon. your family is amazing.. i wish you all the best- your story is wonderfully inspirational.. know that there are always others out there rooting for you. <3

Wow! What a surprise to see you all of a sudden on my aol homepage!  We are so proud of you.  You have such an amazing heart and your suffering is truly being used to encourage others as well as educate people to your disease.  Of course, it was a little freaky to see the name “Dan Aronie” in the news for me!  Your movie is awesome - your parents showed it to us last year.  Hope you’re hanging in there okay.  We’re hoping to come visit next summer and finally get to see you again.  Keep the faith and know that we love you!!  Carol

Dan,

You truly made it as an actor and writer of your own life script. You are worthy of an academy award as far as I’m concern. Thanks for sharing your story. Your film is beautiful.

Dan, You are inspiration to us all.  In these Difficult times, were People are losing their Jobs and Homes. I speak from experience. God Bless You and keep strong.

I have had R/R MS for 21 years and know how blessed I am to be as highly functioning as I am.  Dan, you are truly an inspiration - you have kept your sense of humor, but have allowed people to see your anger and frustration.  I know I have a 50% chance of becoming secondary progressive and I hope I have your strength and the same kind of loving people surrounding me that I just saw in your film.  I’ll never forget you.

I have had R/R MS for 21 years and know how blessed I am to be as highly functioning as I am.  Dan, you are truly an inspiration - you have kept your sense of humor, but have allowed people to see your anger and frustration.  I know I have a 50% chance of becoming secondary progressive and I hope I have your strength and the same kind of loving people surrounding me that I just saw in your film.  I’ll never forget you.

That was one of the most inspiring films I have ever watched. I laughed along with you. With all you have been through and are still going through your laugher is the best medicine.

so much has been taken from you and your family and yet what remains is what is most important - the incredible strength and resilience which come from the greatest love - how beautiful you, your family and those that surround you become as you travel this most difficult path together - all of you are inspirational.  thank you for sharing your story.

When will this movie be on T.V.? ( A Certain Kind of Beauty)
Thankyou.
Sissie

The message in this documentary is very strong. Dan, you talk about your ego, but there is more depth to you that I can see. I see enormous inner spirit, beauty and strength from the very depths of your soul. By sharing your story you have opened up the world of MS to everyone who is still unaware of how devestating this disease is. You are brave, strong and courageous in my book. Many people silently suffer with this, and you chose to share it with the world, what a legacy (maybe not the one you dreamed of), but it will inspire so many. Be brave, keep up the fight, and never, ever loose faith.... Let’s face it my man, screw all the big screen movie stars, they have nothing on you!!! You deserve an Oscar!!!

Comment Part B: Life Interrupted, It’s Not All About Me
by Chris Tatevosian

Hi again Dan,

When I was going through my divorce my life was full of fear and concern that I would never meet anyone that loved me again. Who was going to take care of me, where would I live, how would I live? Thespace stress and anxiety became too much to bear.  After learning how big of an issue this is for so many of us with MS, I took it upon myself to write this self-help memoir. This is my real life story and it’s not always pretty but it’s real and written to help others going through this same situation.
“ Life Interrupted - It’s Not All about Me” is my real-life story dealing with marriage interrupted by multiple sclerosis.  It could have been any chronic illness or disability and anybody’s relationship with their spouse, family members, friends and caregivers, but my reason for writing this book is the same.  My goal is to help others in similar situations recognize and eliminate the growth of the relationship destroying “poor me attitude” which frequently accompanies chronic illness.
By sharing my actual experiences with chronic illness and divorce, I hope to provide others with the knowledge, awareness and understanding intended to help them deal more positively with the emotional and physical stresses put on a relationship when life is interrupted by chronic illness or disability.
As I said before, I know much of this information may seem obvious, but as I’ve learned the hard way, the obvious becomes clouded when life is interrupted by chronic illness especially a progressive debilitating disease like multiple sclerosis.  Whether you are the patient or the caregiver this book is for you. If by writing this book, just one relationship is benefited it will have been a success and well worth exposing my past, literally making my life an open book. So, I wish you the best and when you get the chance please check out my book and web site.  I know that you will enjoy them.  Again, all my thoughts and prayers are with you, Dan.

Take care and God bless,
Chris

I am still amazed by the strength of Dan and his family. I am so thankful to have found this film, it brings everything into a new light, for the ones of us, that at times have pitty parties.  I admire Dan for his endless courage.
There is no love like God’s and he showed that by giving Dan the parents he needed, to help him deal with this awful illness.

Hey Dan,

Fantastic attitude, Buddy!  My name is Chris.  I will be 48 in July and I was diagnosed with MS when I was 18.  So, I’m pretty familiar with how this disease can affect an individual, his or her spouse, family, friends and caregivers.  I’m impressed by your relationships with your mother,caregivers friends and family, because I know firsthand how moody, angry and depressed this disease can cause us to act, unknowingly usually.  When I read how much your mother, friends and caregivers enjoy being around you I thought to myself, Dan you have living with this disease licked. You have to have a sense of humor and be a person who people want to be around, can’t wait to see again and love.  You’re there, “You the man”. I learned the hard way that no one wants to be around a mean, grumpy, inconsiderately miserable person. Daah! that should have been obvious, but in the midst of my depressed “poor me attitude,” I missed that fact. The following is an excerpt from an article that I wrote which was published in the summer 2008 issue of MSFocus magazine:

The Gang’s All Here
by Chris Tatevosian

My marriage of ten years began dissolving when the “Monster” invited his friends to live in my house. If you have MS, I’m sure you’ve met the gang.  There was the kingpin, Stress, his best friend Anger and his twin, Misdirected.  Of course, Feelings of Worthlessness was there and his brother Feelings of Inadequacy who brought his best friend Low Self-esteem and his sidekick Depression, who hung out with everybody’s buddies, Worry and Anxiety. As usual, Communication was a no show, but sure enough his sister Miss-communication popped in and overstayed her welcome. They never left, but my wife did.

(To read the entire article from the summer 2008 issue of MSFocus magazine visit my web site: http://www.Lifeinterrupted-nolonger.com). I would like to share some of my past with you. It’s not always pretty and I have d left nothing out.  If the police had to come to my house, it’s in my book.  If I was considering suicide, it’s in there.  I have had MS for 29 years and I have recently written a book that I want to share with as many people with chronic illness and disabilities as I can. I was wondering if you could help me? Folks need to hear and benefit from my real-life story dealing with relationships and MS. When I was… ( continued in part B.))

Dan,

I just finished watching yr documentary and I want you to know that you are a true inspiration to me. I don’t know anyone personally with MS but you’ve definately shown me that the trivial things alot of us complain about are just that. God bless you and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

What a moving story.  Dan’s mom has my vote for mother of the year.  There is so much love between them.  At first I thought this would be an explotation of a person with M.S. but, it moved me.  My step mother has M.S. and she is one of the bravest women I know.  She lives alone in Texas now since my dad’s passing in November.  She never sounds bitter or angry.  She has accepted the fact that M.S. is her demon.  I love this lady because she gave my dad 30 wonderful years of marriage and gave 100% of her love to him every day.  She never put herself ahead of him.  I pray every day for her and hope there will be a cure for her and millions of other M.S. sufferers.  You are in my prayers Dan.

Dear Dan and family
Blessings to all of you for sharing your life. I think you are all perfect in who you are… Dan you are amazing.
Beauty and life is what you are all about and no one said it would be easy. I can appreciate what all of you shARE.  My daughter was sick for 2 years.. yes she got better, but your life is turned upside down and now I step back so she can have a normal life. True Dan , you are in a different situation , but, for a time we didnt have a diagnosis for almost 2 years and Shoshana is still healing 3 years after
All I can offer is my heart and wish peace for you and the family.
Blessings
Sharon Weissmann

How is Dan doing these days?  May your days be filled with peace and love.  Thank God for what we have and the beauty that lies within people like Dan.

Thank you for sharing the families story.  It inspired me tremendously.

All I did was get teary eyed. I cant say how much this film has empowered my life.

We find ourselves in situations that effect the rest of our lives and we forget......what about before something effects US? Life has a funny way of waking us up doesnt it? THINK.

Hi Dan...I think your mom is right about growing your hair long.  It looks great on you.

A beautiful film… I am in awe. Thank you from the bottom of my heart… Wendy

My prayers are with you all.  My mother had MS and my brother has MS, through my family’s experience I understand and support you all.  God Bless you humor, it does seem to help.  Humor helps the soul develope the strength it need to keep going. Keep it going.  Thank You.

For a man with a body that is deteriorating, what I took out of his documentary was watching the expansion of his mind and heart. A brave man, a true inspiration for what people should be. This is a moving story, one that made me smile, laugh along, as well as cry. From a nurse’s perspective Dan’s life is filled with complete care, spiritual as well as physical. There is not much more one could wish for in this life. Dan, thank you for sharing your bravery and trials with the world, I have been moved and touched by your story. Good luck to you and yours.

Wow.  Thank you Dan and everyone for sharing your story.

I beliieve this is the Young man I taught Art to at Watkinson ?

wow, your story is amazing. I am sixteen years old and i was diagnosed with scoliosis when i was 13 years old. I thought that it was going to change my life forever and make things very difficult for me. At times this disease has made my life difficult. I felt sorry for my self, but watching stories like yours and of other people that also have an obsticle to go through in life has truley,TRUELY opened my eyes.You are such an inspiration, thank you. Keep fighting Dan, I believe in you!!
Cassandra Matondo

what an amazing person, what an amazing story. god bless.

dan your the man plus you got the girl keep your head up

What great love.  What great courage.  Life isnt fair We think we are in full control and BAM it pulls the rug out from under our feet.  I felt Dan s frustration and anger at God.  Being robbed of his dreams.  I also admired his honesty and willingness to search inside himself, to laugh and smile.  I appreciate muchisimo what his mother said that after trying everything she broke down crying and said “all I can do is love him”.  What a great message. Thank you.

thank you for sharing Dan’s story! He seems like an amazing person and can still smile through all of this!! Love, prayers, and hope to you all! God bless! <3

Thank you Dan,
I am very grateful that you were able to document your struggles with MS.  I too have this curse of a disease and am fortunate that mine has been less aggressive than your, but I know MS is unpredictable, in fact MS SUCKS.  Be well, and carry your torch high.
PEACE

My Mother had progressive MS and lived with it for 15 yrs before passing on. She is my hero. I watched her suffer while the disease took away each of her freedoms slowly but surely. From walking,to movement of her hands, to difficulty swallowing, holding her neck up, and then even the joy of being able to talk. Anyone who has to live with MS are the everyday heros. You have to be a strong person. And while we can’t choose the cards we are dealt we can choose how we play the cards.
RIP Mama 02/01/59-07/17/2007 “The Strongest Woman I Ever Met”

and PS: Keep ur negative comments to yourself Melgr. Obviously you’ve never been affected by such a terrible thing as MS

MS is a treatable illness.  Please watch our video of several of our patients with this disease recovering
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I2NVHY_xPQ&feature=channel

If you have any questions, our clinic is the South Texas Innovative Medicine clinic (361) 992-9432

Thank you for sharing your story Dan.  Life is not easy but we are very blesses to have a caring family to still make us smile at the end of the day.

can you add captions for deaf viewers?

sick of watchign him with that cigarette, wondering if those things played a part in this illness.

I watched this trying to imagine myself as Dan. Also as his mother, father, brother, friend, therapist and girlfriend. I feel like I learned something from every angle.  The most painful but poignant part of the film for me was when Dan kept threatening suicide and after his mother received good words of wisdom from her friend and told him, it’s okay, but to just let the family be around him to help him and love him, and he never threatened again.  That changed me.

What a beautiful and inspirational human being Dan is and no wonder, you only have to look as far as his parents to see where that beauty comes from.  This was an amazing film and I was simply glued to it for the entire time. I loved this film and I love this family! Simply beautiful, simply wonderful! 
Thank you to the family for sharing this intimate portrait of their lives.

For those of us who loved him anyway Dan’s struggles have deepened our feelings for him and allowed us to see into the deep pain and love in the eyes of his family.  They may not feel brave but they surely are.  Life can ask so much of us, more than we think we can ever bear but somehow we go on-- and with this family their humor, honesty and fortitude come through to us.  They are not alone.

THIS FILM WAS BEAUTIFUL AND SAD. I SAY BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE DAN HAS A GREAT SUPPORT GROUP, AND ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO CURE, HE STILL REFUSED TO GIVE UP. I SAY SAD BECAUSE YOU CAN STILL SEE THE LIGHT IN HIS EYES AS HIS DISEASE PROGRESSES. ALSO SAD BECAUSE HE IS A GOOD LOOKING MAN AND STILL NEEDED FEMALE COMPANIONSHIP. I,PERSONALLY, DID NOT KNOW HOW RAVAGING THAT MS IS. MY ONE ISSUE IS THAT HE DOESNT KNOW GOD, BUT, THE GOOD SIDE OF THAT IS HE MAY HAVE A CHANGE OF HEART BEFORE IT GETS TOO LATE. I BELIEVE HES VERY BLESSED TO HAVE FAMILY THAT STRONG EMOTIONALLY. HOW DO YOU TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THEM AND TRY TO SHOW THEM HOW IN SUCH LITTLE TIME? YOU DO WHAT YOU CAN WITH WHAT GOD GIVES YOU. IT JUST MAKES YOU CHERISH IT MORE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

I just rated the film, but the screen changed before I could click all five stars. Please change my one-star rating to five! Such a powerful, affecting film; I just recommended it to my Facebook friends. I love the human spirit and humor captured through the ravages of MS. Such a reminder to enjoy the moments we have with those we love. Thank you to Dan and his family for courage and honesty to share their important lives. Simply unforgettable, this. A certain kind of beauty. Yes.

This was an amazingly beautiful and touching account of a young man’s nightmarish struggle with MS.  This documentary is raw and moving and has the potential to bring much needed awareness to this debilitating disease.

Thank you to snagfilms for providing a great platform where people can watch this film.  It can finally reach the audience it deserves.