CS Expert with Terminal Illness is Subject of Documentary Film

Michele DeMeo, CRCST, may no longer be working as a dedicated central service manager or writing monthly columns for the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM), but shes still very much a part of the CS scene. In addition to speaking at IAHCSMM chapter meetings, testifying before legislators on the merits of CS certification, writing various articles, books and educational materials, and mentoring other professionals, DeMeo is playing another important role: serving as the subject of a moving documentary film entitled Love, Loss, Life: The Beauty of a Slow Death.

Filmed by Joseph Nardelli, an award-winning New York filmmaker, DeMeo a high-functioning autistic woman who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2010 and, since then, malignant melanoma, both terminal illnesses offers an honest and inspiring glimpse into what its like to live life to its fullest, even while facing death. The documentary, inspired by DeMeos book, The Beauty of a Slow Death: Understanding Acceptance and Learning to Live Differently Can Lead to Peace, (available at http://www.createspace.com/3805209) offers insight into the greater understanding of spirituality and purpose, the need for creative expression, and, ultimately, what it means to let go.

While the film is a work in progress and wont be slated for completion until 2013, Nardelli has scheduled a sneak preview for Wed., Dec. 19, at 7:30 pm EST. To participate in the 30-minute Internet screening, which will include scenes from the documentary, visit www.lovelosslife.org.

A live phone-in discussion will immediately follow. Hosts DeMeo, Nardelli and special guests will take questions from listeners from 8:15 p.m. EST to 10 p.m. EST. Those wishing to join the discussion should dial (218) 936-2800 and enter code 305335#.

What I have come to observe over the time I have known Michele is that her autism and terminal illnesses, combined with the choices she has made following the diagnosis she received almost two years ago, has reawakened her creative spirit and framed her personal accomplishments, says Nardelli. What makes this project special is it has unexpectedly evolved from a medical research project into a personal film about Michele DeMeo.

The Dec. 19, 2012, preview will serve numerous purposes: introducing DeMeo to the world; lending hope, inspiration and an understanding that lifes obstacles can help transform us in unexpectedly positive ways; and allowing those who participate in the preview to help shape the films future progress and widespread success. Nardelli is asking viewers of the Dec. 19 preview to participate in a film preview survey, available at (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dE5sVkVGbWdBUWRrdGFoWld5WTRybXc6MQ#gid=0). All questions and comments are welcome.

The essence of Michele is what this film endeavors to illuminate, adds Nardelli. Hers is story that we can all benefit and learn from and one that I believe deserves to be shared with the masses.