Living with Cryo

Eileen Propp was diagnosed with Essential Mixed Cryoglobulinemia (EMC) at the age of 26. Propp's life up until that moment had been characterized by mysterious ailments, unexplained sickness, injuries and misdiagnosis. Since her diagnosis of EMC, she has gained an understanding of the disease and how to manage it. Propp, 42, has endured some 30 plus surgeries, surgical procedures, numerous broken bones, blood clots, internal injuries, heart failure and various misdiagnoses. She has also obtained a Ph.D., been an American Sign Language interpreter and an advocate for people with disabilities. This documentary tells the story via interviews with Propp, her family, friends, coworkers, and clients. It examines the physical, emotional and psychological aspects and impacts of living with a rare disease. Propp continues to live as a fierce self-advocate for herself while refusing to let her disease define her. She lives with her husband and service dog and is in the process of returning to work.