Holley on Film

Tonight we went to see a screening of the new documentary “Stitching Strength” about Dr. Richard Bedlack, the head of the ALS clinic at Duke. Dr. Bedlack was Holley’s fabulous doctor and there could have been no one better to care for her as they were quite a pair.

Dr. Bedlack is known for his colorful clothing, as was Holley. He is in the business of giving people hope who have gotten the most hopeless diagnosis. There was no one more positive or hopeful than Holley.

It was just perfect that Holley was able to be part of this documentary and we are just sad that these screenings came too late for us to see it with her. One of the last public things Holley did was go to be interviewed on UNC public radio with Dr. Bedlack for this documentary.

It was good to be with Laura, Nancy, Lee and Jan to see this. Nancy told us a story about how days before Holley was due to go to see Dr. Bedlack she would start worrying about what she was going to wear for her appointment. Holley has been notoriously bright and sparkly her whole life. Never one to pass by a chance to wear a boa. So having a doctor who also wore sequins on a weekday was a match made in heaven.

ALS is a terrible disease so having someone like Dr. Bedlack dedicated to studying it to find a cure is very important. This documentary is just in the beginning stages of being shown. I will post when and where you might be able to see it as it begins to get out in the world. Hopefully it will get picked up by a streaming service so everyone can have access to this important story.

Sadly Holley had already lost her voice when she was filmed, but her words are still hers and I am thankful we will have this record of her. I am certain that when I see a rainbow now Holley is close by. If it also sparkles that is her winking at us.