The following is a contextual letter from Mitch Martow, the subject of the award-winning and
emotional Bend or Break documentary, which portrays the story of disabled 14-year-old
suddenly faced with a rare invisible illness who had to fight to be believed.
If there is anyone I want to hear the message of Bend or Break, it is those in a position to
provide care for patients like me in the future. I have experienced both the immense positive
impact of the care you may provide, but I have experienced the ways even the best of intentions
can lead to devastating misdiagnosis-based gaslighting and pain. Those experiencing invisible
but nonetheless physical illnesses are most vulnerable to misunderstandings and mistreatment.
Such patients can begin to believe that there is no light left at the end of the tunnel, as they feel
that their own doctors and families have turned against them. My story of pain and hope as told
in Bend or Break can provide a deeper understanding of how ill-equipped the system is to handle
individuals with invisible illness in order to further advocate for meaningful change.
Fortunately, you don’t need to take my word for it! Top administrators at several high schools
and universities have also recognized the evidential value the Bend or Break documentary
possesses for the field of psychology in particular (for more information, see Seneca College
article below).
I wish to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who makes the effort to watch my
rollercoaster of a medical journey so that you can provide future clients with invisible
illnesses and disabilities the understanding and care I desperately needed!
Link to blog group with a collection of EDS blog posts:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/163290407054413
Seneca College Bend or Break Psychology article:
https://www.senecacollege.ca/news-and-events/seneca-news/psychology-professor-sheds-light-
on-rare-genetic-disorder-with-award-winning-documentary.html?utm_source=YFile+-
+Master+Subscriber+List&utm_campaign=df9991a570-
EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_07_29_01_52&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3ba936d492-df9991a5
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