BROADCAST PREMIERE OF ‘THE POWER OF TWO’

Rafu Shimpo


Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes at Stanford Hospital and Clinics on July 28, 2009. (Photo by Norbert von der Groeben/Stanford Hospital and Clinics)

The award-winning documentary “The Power of Two,” the story of half-Japanese twin sisters Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, their battle with the fatal genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF), and their miraculous survival through double lung transplants, premieres on TV and online Wednesday, May 22.

The film will air on Link TV satellite network (DIRECTV Channel 375 and DISH Channel 9410) and on KCET (public TV in Southern/Central California) at 8 p.m. It can also be watched online through June 30 at http://bit.ly/pwrtwo. For more information, including other dates/times, go to http://bit.ly/11QpWNF.

The identical twins were born in Los Angeles in 1972 to Japanese and German immigrant parents. At three days old, Ana and Isa were diagnosed with CF, a fatal genetic disease that impacts the lungs and pancreas. Their doctor told their parents they would be lucky to live to reach 10 years of age.

For decades, the sisters struggled to maintain their health with rigorous daily respiratory and digestive treatments. Working together, they survived and thrived into adulthood, graduated from college and graduate school, started careers as a genetic counselor (Ana) and social worker (Isa), and developed loving relationships.

In their mid-20s, however, their health began to decline precipitously. Every breath was difficult. Many of the activities they loved, including hiking and traveling, tried the limits of their stamina. Their passion and will to live remained but CF was relentless.

There is no cure for CF. But in their darkest hour, when their ability to breathe was leaving them, the twins received the gift of new life and new breath in the form of double lung transplants in 2000 and 2004, respectively.
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______________________________________________________
"You have the power to SAVE lives."
To register as a donor in California:
www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org | www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org
Outside California:
www.organdonor.gov | www.donatelife.net

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