Newsletter #8
May 2007

A Mother's Celebration
Some Quotes About Indestructible
We Still Need Your Money
How Have You Been Affected By ALS?


Dear Friends and Supporters,



In honor of Mother's Day, Ben's own mother, Barbara Byer, has written this month's newsletter article. We hope you enjoy.





A Mother's Celebration



Some days. . .

Black clouds swarm above my head. The weight of ALS bears down with a force so huge it takes my breath away. I have to wrench myself free, force myself to do something, anything that will let in the fresh air. I've become difficult, I know, when I'm terrified and want only to stay in bed, under the covers and sleep forever.

But on other days. . .

I let optimism rule. I believe we will overcome these terrible circumstances. I project into the future and imagine Ben physically vibrant the way he was years ago when I drove him to the airport for his third year as a college exchange student in Paris, France. He hoisted a huge duffel over his shoulder as if it weighed a few pounds, kissed my cheek and was gone. When we visited him four months later, he'd already made dozens of friends who called out 'Binyamin' as they waved him into their lives. Ben lived in an apartment, a boat, then someone's loft, while he studied Deconstructionism, a difficult philosophy to comprehend in English, let alone, French.

He traveled throughout Europe that summer, visited friends from the states in each country, slept on the floors of their rented rooms. Ben returned in September, packed a few belongings into a pickup truck and drove to California to film, act and write. My wish for him to complete his degree at Indiana University vanished, replaced by the hope he wouldn't lose his way in the West Coast jungle. I needn't have worried.

In the early morning light, I soothe the ache with childhood memories of Ben, our independent, resilient little guy, who always found his way home without bread crumbs or pebbles in his pockets. Baseball season brought Little League tryouts. Ben practiced in the backyard for weeks before the big day. Having seen his wild throws and fumbled catches at more than a few softball games, I feared he wouldn't make the team but said nothing, hoping for a miracle as we drove to the field. Tension mounted as parents vacated the premises until noon. Prepared for a rough afternoon, I returned, shocked to find Ben part of The Optimist team, managed by two brothers who wisely valued heart above skill.

When I look at Ben now, he's still all heart. His spirit and drive pull me from under the covers. He's the same strong, self assured human being who made the team, traveled the distance, proved his mettle. He's a brilliant filmmaker, a wise guy, a funny man, a sensitive soul. Who else but such a person could construct a magnificent life from so much anguish and create a legacy of the magnitude of Indestructible. More than a thousand people gave Ben a standing ovation at the Cinequest Film Festival, in awe of his contribution. Ben, beaming in his wheelchair, reminded me of a favorite quotation by Thomas Edison. "Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits."

Visit Barbara's Blog



Some Quotes About Indestructible


Thank you for making the documentary. I think it is one of the most amazing and beautiful things I've ever seen.
Laura Zinger

It was incredibly profound and moving. It really stayed with me for a couple of days, which is what great films should do. I was extremely moved by Ben's extraordinary journey and feel like the film is heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
Colleen Bell

I just spent the night watching "Indestructible" and I'm sitting here stunned, awed, devastated and rethinking the meaning of life. Thank you for making this movie, you have forever changed me.
Wendy Keller

I think I could watch it many times and observe and absorb different elements of it each time I see it--it's truly a work of art.
Jenny Boeder

This is TRULY an important documentary and piece of art.
Ross Travis

I watched "Indestructible" last night with my son (I might have told you that he has physical disabilities). We were both stunned and overwhelmed. Your courage in so honestly presenting your personal struggles, vulnerabilities and character is nothing short of amazing. I found it to be extraordinary.
Ken Moses, Ph.D.

We could not stop talking about the film last night...even laying in bed trying to fall asleep...AMAZING! WOW!
Adrienne Flentge

Freakin' awesome, great and put together tight. A great piece of work. Great movie.
Peter DeFaria

It's beyond moving. You have real talent, and you've used it for a sacred purpose. You've enriched us all, and I'm very grateful.
Daniel Gordis, Ph.D.

I can't get "Indestructible" out of my head. I keep hearing the music, seeing the images and thinking about the remarkable story. It's an incredibly brave and powerful piece of storytelling.
An incredible film.
Joanna Rudnick

Amazing film. I am so glad to have seen it, and I already feel marked by it. A very powerful film, you have already achieved what many filmmakers strive for. Even as I write this and I recall the film, I am moved once again.
Leslie Simmer

An engrossing, emotionally impactful film.
Justine Nagan

Your film will live in my heart while working on this disease. It was simply inspirational. Every second.
Clive Svendsen, Ph.D.

Watching "Indestructible" was the best film experience I've ever had. I was profoundly moved by your life and your attitude, not to mention the beautiful images that wove it all together. Thank you for sharing your truth with us.
Alison




We Still Need Your Money


While most of you have yet to see Indestructible, those who have are clearly moved and impressed by the power of this film.

For almost four years we have been asking you to donate your hard-earned money to help fund Indestructible. It is now in the final stages of completion and is already garnering high praise from the medical community. One prominent expert said it is the best film yet made on ALS. The support you have given us has been instrumental in making this happen, and we know that once you see the movie for yourself, you will have no question as to the impact this film can have on ALS and the change that needs to happen.

Please consider that the end is near, but we still need your help. We could not have gotten this far without you and are honored to have you by our side. Every single dollar helps - donate today, tell your friends to donate, and bring this movie to completion now.

Thank you for your support.

Ben Byer & Rebeccah Rush

Click Here To Donate Now.



How Have You Been Affected By ALS?


Whether you are an ALS patient, family member, friend, medical professional or have just read about ALS for the first time today, we want to hear from you. Please send us your stories.

In five hundred words or less tell our growing audience what you want them to know about ALS. Letters will be posted on our new website to be launched next month. At least one will be selected for our monthly newsletter series. Help open the public dialogue about ALS so this devastating disease can be brought to an end.

Letters will NOT be edited by ALS Film Fund. Authors may remain anonymous if it is requested. ALS Film Fund reserves the right to not publish certain letters for any reason. All letters become the property of ALS Film Fund to be used for any purpose to continue its mission.

Email letters to alsfilm@gmail.com



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