SPARKY: Connection of Courage
(Currently in Production) A heartwarming father/daughter love story, which demonstrates the power of love in the face of death. A charming man who loves life struggles with a terrifying Alzheimer’s diagnosis as his devoted daughter records his journey into darkness amidst conflicting family reactions.
Overview
The close-knit all-American Firek family receives devastating news: their beloved father Frank has been diagnosed with the incurable and deadly brain disease, Alzheimer’s! As the family gradually realizes the gravity of the situation, their lives quickly spin out of control and everyone reacts differently to the crisis.
As depression hits and Frank struggles with the remaining purpose of his dwindling life, his daughter Joleen, a seasoned video professional, offers him a lifeline: let her videotape the family’s experience with the disease in an effort to help other struggling families. Frank, the consummate mentor, gratefully accepts the offer and the cameras roll…
As Frank goes from fully-functional to needing assistance, his family constantly devises clever ways to help him maintain his lifestyle and favorite activities for as long as possible. Joleen playfully uses Sparky, her childhood bear, to penetrate Frank’s tears, oftentimes transforming the tears into a smile. With every step, as Frank becomes more dependent on his family, his appreciation and love for them is evident. Frank’s good humor and love of oldies music remain cheerful links everyone can share, and spontaneous dancing and laughing sometimes ensue at all hours! The grace with which Frank accepts his fate is truly awe-inspiring.
Along the way, Frank’s family is forced to discuss many difficult issues, including how to handle disease progression, loss of independence, loss of dignity, plus how to proceed after Frank forgets his own plan to commit suicide. To honor Frank’s wish of not being placed in an assisted living facility, the family takes care of Frank for as long as possible. Finally, in a desperate act of exhaustion, the family brings in outside help and is horror-struck when these caregivers rob them! A trial, a psych ward and many other dramas spin around the main storyline of a family in crisis having to make tough decisions while personally all reacting very differently to the experience. In the final hours, as the medical community wants to save Frank’s life, The Firek Family must decide how far they’ll go to honor thy father…
NEWS COVERAGE - the heart and soul of Frankly Speaking: Alzheimer’s
The inspiring story of Frank Firek is spreading around the world! Learn why Joleen Firek began rolling her camera during a time of crisis and where it’s taking her now…
