Silent Cries: Breaking Through CHD Awareness is a documentary film released in 2019, directed by Nicole Vickery, and featuring Mark Fightshark Miller. The movie aims to spread awareness about Congenital Heart Defects (CHD), which is a serious medical condition that affects thousands of infants around the world. Born with a 95% CHD with only one functioning ventricle, the filmmaker, Nicole Vickery, takes the audience on a journey through the complexities of pediatric heart disease. From the emotional struggles of diagnosis to the physical and medical challenges after surgery, Silent Cries: Breaking through CHD Awareness aims to give voice to the experiences of those affected by CHD, including parents, caregivers, and patients themselves.
The documentary follows several families that have been impacted by CHD, showcasing their struggles, triumphs, and hopes. The parents of CHD patients share their stories and discuss the challenges they have faced while bringing up a child with heart disease. The film also features interviews with doctors and medical professionals, who provide insight into the medical complexities of CHD and the importance of early detection and intervention.
One of the main features of the film is Mark Fightshark Miller, a professional MMA fighter, who was born with a CHD. Miller shares his story of perseverance and determination, as he fought against all odds to become a successful athlete despite his heart condition. His story serves as a powerful inspiration for people living with CHD and proves that the condition does not have to define one's life.
Throughout the film, the message that CHD is not a death sentence, but a treatable medical condition is repeatedly emphasized. The director highlights that early detection and the right medical care can make all the difference to the patient's quality of life.
Notably, the documentary delves deeper into the emotional and mental ramifications of CHD on patients and their families. Many CHD patients require multiple surgeries throughout their lives, which can take a heavy emotional and financial toll on them and their loved ones. The movie tackles these issues head-on, and parents and caregivers talk about their struggles with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
In addition, the film focuses on the importance of funding research for CHD and raising public awareness about the condition. The documentary provides insights into the ways people can support CHD research and be more empathetic towards those living with the condition.
Overall, Silent Cries: Breaking Through CHD Awareness is an emotional, raw, and powerful documentary that sheds light on the challenges faced by millions of families impacted by CHD. It provides a unique perspective into the lives of people living with CHD and their caregivers, inspiring hope and strength in the face of adversity. Through this documentary, director Nicole Vickery has created an urgent call-to-action to the world to support CHD research and increase awareness about the condition.
Silent Cries: Breaking Through CHD Awareness is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes.
