My Flesh and Blood (2003)

Documentary following Susan Tom of Fairfield, California and her 11 adopted special needs children.

Director:

Jonathan Karsh

Stars:

Susan Tom, Anthony Tom, Faith Tom

8 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Anthony Tom	...	Himself
Faith Tom	...	Herself
Joe Tom	...	Himself
Margaret Tom	...	Herself
Susan Tom	...	Herself
Xenia Tom	...	Herself

Storyline

Susan Tom of Fairfield, CA, is not a typical single mother -- Tom is the head of a family of 11 adopted children, all of whom are physically challenged or living with long-term illnesses. Tom and her special family are the subject of My Flesh and Blood, a documentary which examines the dynamic of this household, as well as the often demanding physical and emotional needs of the 11 kids and the heavy emotional burden Tom must sometimes carry as she looks after children who may not survive to adulthood.

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Plot Keywords:

single mother | california | wheelchair | swimming | swimming pool | 

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Taglines:

Who says you can't choose your family?

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Official Sites:

Chaiken Films HBO

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 January 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ces enfants que j'ai choisis

Filming Locations:

Fairfield, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Chaiken Films, Cinemax, Home Box Office (HBO)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to 'Susan Tom', the film shows her son Joe on his best behavior.

User Reviews

Heart-breaking and amazing....

Susan Tom is a truly amazing person, as are the children in this documentary. Jonathan Karsh is to be commended for directing this documentary.

Each child has been through different medical illnesses and disabilities. We see Joe, who goes through attention seeking behavior, and the social worker who attempts to work with him. Also his biological mother, her issues, and her drug addiction. This is only one story of the many. Anthony with his skin disease; Faith with third degree burns. Xenia, a paraplegic, with an amazing spirit, and lust for life.

Interesting is the scene where Susan's parents visit, and can only stay for a short time, feeling it is too much to take. They note that Susan used to work in a hospital as an R.N., and was always taking care of others. She is truly a blessed person.

It is amazing to see how different people deal with hardship. A film like this forces people to look within, and see their own reactions, analyze how they have treated others. Susan Tom, adoptive mother of these special needs children, is an amazingly strong person who has given these children hope, a home, and love they may never have had. I have never seen such a documentary as this, and hope Jonathan Karsh will produce more of these.9/10.