Living with someone with a chronic illness is difficult. Frustration comes when answers and solutions are not readily available. One resource that is often overlooked is documentaries. I’ll address this later, but there’s certainly a pecking order of illness that gets more attention and dollars than others. Indie filmmaker Zachary Cornell Cunningham brings to the forefront Multiple Myeloma, also known as blood cancer, and follows the film’s subject, Paris Jones, on his journey to normalcy…or as close as he can get in Strong: Living with Multiple Myeloma.
The film opens with the career path of a young Paris Jones. He started as a party entertainer and quickly moved to acting school, where he excelled. His career trajectory slowed down after the birth of his first son, an event that quickly pushed him into adulthood. After starting a family, Paris Jones started a production company, Paris Films, with his co-founder, Andre Ray. Paris Films boasts a stellar roster of indie films, including What Did Deborah Do?, an Award This! Winner.
One day, Paris began experiencing weakness, particularly in his spine. He recounts sneezing really hard and almost breaking his back. The pain was so intense that he sought medical help and was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma—a form of blood cancer that typically affects older adults and can cause severe bone damage. Paris was hospitalized for an immediate blood transfusion and eventual stem cell transplant.
“Paris began experiencing weakness, particularly in his spine… almost breaking his back.”
Films like Strong: Living with Multiple Myeloma are essential. Multiple Myeloma is not exactly high on the list of diseases worldwide, but the upside is that it’s treatable, and you can live a long life if caught early. Strong is crucial because Paris’ story offers hope and empathy to anyone with Multiple Myeloma. In other words, you’re not alone.
Paris talks about his life before being hospitalized and the extended period he spent away from home, rebuilding his strength through physical rehabilitation. He also speaks about the long pause it had on his career and the support of his wife, children, family, and colleagues. It’s clearly divine intervention that Paris was making films at this time so he could tell the story of those battling Multiple Myeloma.
Strong: Living with Multiple Myeloma is a testament to the power of storytelling in the face of adversity. Paris Jones’ journey is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering support, serving as a beacon of hope for those navigating the challenges of chronic illness. More than just a documentary, this film is a reminder that no one fights alone.
"…No one fights alone."
