Dr. Jenni Kleinman Berebitsky
Married two and half years, with a son 15 months old, and just finishing her residency as a naturopathic physician, Jenni Kleinman Berebitsky at age 33 was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). In both Jenni’s book, ALS Saved My Life… until it didn’t and Grateful: The Jenni Berebitsky Story, the short documentary by Studio Nethercott, Jenni boldly shares what her life has been like with ALS.
Join the conversation and write a review on Amazon, Goodreads.com, and Facebook.
ALS Saved My Life is now an audio book! The same story of strength, joy, and grace, read by Lynn Valinetz, with guest reader Tom Griswold. Find at Audible.com or Apple Book.
Join the conversation and write a review on Amazon, Goodreads.com, and Facebook.
Book Reviews
“When Jenni says in this book that she had to get weak to find her strength, you better believe it. She’s one of the strongest people I have ever met, and this book of hers is mighty indeed. It will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you see the wonder and beauty of life. Read it now, and you’ll share some of Jenni’s strength.”
—Jonathan Eig, New York Times best-selling author of Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig
Book Reviews
An honest and sobering glimpse into our daily struggles, of first being diagnosed, and then living with ALS. Jenni fights forward with grace, demonstrating that even under these difficult and painful circumstances; being present in the moment and making space for joy, humor, and love, opens the door for meaning, and gratitude in each and every day. Jenni you inspire me!
—Nanci Ryder, Hollywood publicist, Co-founder of BWR Public Relations, diagnosed with ALS in 2014
This book is incredible. So raw and real — and inspiring. It puts life into perspective in a way you’ve probably never seen. It brings joy, anger, tears and laughter. I soaked in every single word.
—Dana Benbow, Indianapolis Star features writer
Beautifully done – I would of given anything to have read a book like this to prepare ourselves . . . you are going to help and inspire so many people. AMAZING – THANK YOU both for coming into our lives.
—Kathy Shawver Maffei, close friend of Nanci Ryder for over 20 years
For a story of terminal illness, this book is overflowing with joy, optimism, good humor, and the love of life. Every page reminds us of how fragile our lives are, but also of Abraham Lincoln’s maxim that “most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Jenni Berebitsky has made her mind up to be happy, and to be strong, and to lend her happiness and strength to the people around her—including those lucky enough to read this courageous memoir.
—Ben H. Winters, Author of nine novels, including most recently the New York Times bestselling Underground Airlines
We are all just one bad diagnosis from stepping into the unknown territory that Jenni and her family have traveled. Like pioneers, they’ve blazed a trail for those who follow and they’ve done it with humor and pragmatism.
—Mary Doria Russell, Author of The Sparrow, A Thread of Grace, and Doc
As Jenni says, “I’m always thinking,” which the reader sees clearly in her creativity and ways of connecting to the world around her. She is not helpless. At varying points in her disease progression, she opens her own naturopathic medical practice, officiates at her brother’s wedding, and participates in a sprint triathlon—twice. And throughout the entire story, Jenni shows us what a difference a wry sense of humor can make, especially when we are in our most vulnerable states. Jenni Berebitsky’s memoir has the reader reconsider the idea of what it means to be healthy and fully alive. She reminds us that “angels can appear out of nowhere,” and that if we are paying attention, and if we are always thinking, we just might see them.
—Melissa Keller, author of Crazy is Relative
Original watercolor painting by Hildy Eppel Hassman.
Purchase your own signed, numbered, double matted, artist quality 7″ x 11″ print of original book cover illustration.
Original watercolor painting by Hildy Eppel Hassman.
Purchase your own signed, numbered, double matted, artist quality 7″ x 11″ print of original book cover illustration.
Book Launch Video
:00 – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Philip Berebitsky
1:45 – Introduction of Joyce Kleinman
8:55 – Introduction of the Book Cover by Hildy Eppel Hassman
9:21 – Cello performance by Anne and Dennis McCafferty
15:55 – Book reading by Lynn Valinetz
27:52 – Completion of book reading and applause
32:31 – Documentary announcement
34:30 – Tami Krichiver and Rabbi Brett Krichiver sing Hallelujah
38:30 – Standing ovation & exit
39:05 – Jenni Berebitsky’s “We did it!”
Watch Full Documentary
“Once the film started I was immediately drawn to the subject itself (the mark of great production), and I don’t know that I’ve laughed and cried that much in any other quarter-hour of my life. Just absolutely remarkable.”
—Ted Green, Producer and Director of Eva
Film Reviews
We are very proud that your filmmaking captured the tenacity and zest for living life to the fullest that Jenni Berebitsky has in spite of dealing with the hardships of ALS. Her courage is an example for all. As a neuroscientist, I understand, to a small extent, what a struggle Jenni is persevering through and using the blessed spiritual strength to remain strong for her young son and champion husband.
—Robbie Singh, Research Scientist & Business Analysts
“Sometimes there are good souls that lend a little of their magic that make a moment, a creative idea, a challenging event into something so beautiful and indescribable that carries the power and spirit to profoundly transform many. Jenni Berebitsky is that angelic emissary, and Grateful – The Jenni Berebitsky Story is a powerful testimony of the good, the great, and the divine creative energy coming together to provide a testament of the possible against the backdrop of impossible; dazzling light amidst the immense odds; an amazing grace and courage that the Higher Spirit only entrusts to a few to inspire millions. This project is about this lesson and the one assigned to deliver it! We are being invited to experience the ultimate triumph of the human spirit!! Once the word gets out, this creative endeavor is likely to find resonance, not just arts audiences in Paris, Sydney, Toronto, or Mumbai Film Festivals, but across the human landscapes and unexplored regions of the human mind and spirit. Congratulations to eveyone involved in this project!!!”
—KP Singh, Author, Writer, Public speaker
I came to support my friend Amy. And then I started to watch the movie. You made me Ugly Cry
— R. C. Thorne, Actor & Producer
What a truly special story this is… I am so moved after watching, as I was when reading Jenni’s book. The book and film together make such a powerful pair, set to inspire many!
— Marissa DeCuir, President, JKS Communications
Jenni is an inspiration and when she speaks about receiving and giving help it reminded me that as Jews that is the concept of mitzvot. Jenni’s courage and perspective on life and death have fed my heart and mind in ways that no high holiday sermon has done ever.
– Ilene S. Uhlmann, Director of Chicago Jewish Film Festival
Was deeply moved by this inspiring woman, her family, her story. Yes, we are all indeed actively dying, it’s what people like Jenni are doing with their living that makes this world a better place. Wonderful, thought-provoking film! Looking forward to reading her book.
—Autumn McEwen McAlpin, Writer, Producer, Director of Side Gig Productions
Despite its unabashed celebration of the human spirit, Grateful is, rather gratefully, not a film filled with greeting card sentiments. There’s a thread of realism throughout Grateful, a realism that seems to be enveloped by the immensely loving circle of family and friends who surround Berebitsky on a regular basis.
—Richard Propes, The Independent Critic
It was no surprise to me that GRATEFUL received Audience Choice Award at our film festival… Having viewed the film many times privately and with large audiences, the sensitivity associated with the subject is first rate. I particularly like the way viewers can be overwhelmed with emotion and then — within the same scene — it has you laughing. Fabulous! I’m wishing you continued success and sincerely recommend GRATEFUL to everyone.
—Craig Prater, President, Heartland International Film Fesitval
Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award
Longtime Heartland Film friend Jenni Berebitsky was diagnosed in March 2009 with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Accompanied every step of the way by family and friends who cherish her, Jenni lived courageously and joyfully with the challenges (and, as she sometimes added, gifts) of the relentless disease.
Nine years into her ALS journey, Jenni published her memoir ALS Saved My Life…until it didn’t. The book captures Jenni’s humor, zest for life, and inspiring solutions for all manner of obstacles. Less than a year later, the documentary short film Grateful: The Jenni Berebitsky Story was released and won, among other tributes, the Audience Choice Award at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival.
The Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award now annually recognizes one short film in the Indy Shorts lineup for the best embodiment of Jenni’s spirit and legacy. Its presentation honors one film best capturing the triumph of the human spirit and a person’s capacity to inspire others.
Press
Lessons I Learned From Grateful: The Jenni Berebitsky Story
Abby Gardner, IndyMaven, November 2019
In Film, Rencently Deceased Jewish Naturopath Says ALS Actually ‘Saved Her Life’
Rich Tenorio, The Times of Israel, November 2019
Expressing Gratitude
Greg Switer, South Indy’s Southside Magazine, September 2019
Indianapolis Mother Who Lived with ALS and Wrote About It Dies
John Tuohy, Indy Star, August 29, 2019
When You Have 18 to 24 Months to Live
Courtney S. Warren / Jenni Berebitsky, Psychology Today – Naked Truth, August 2019
Serious Oscar Contenders Unveiled at 2019 Indy Shorts International Film Festival
Matt Fagerholm, RogerEbert.com, July 2019
Heartland Film Announces Winners at Indy Shorts International Film Festival
Heartland Film, July 2019
Book Review – SMS Nonfiction Book Reivew
Kathleen Garber, SMS Nonfiction Book Review, June 2019
“Book Review – ALS Saved My Life”
Debra C. Argen, Luxury Experience, May 2019
“Heartland Film Announces the Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award Ahead of Indy Shorts International Film Festival“
Heartland Film, May 2019
“I Wrote a Diary; Now Anyone Can Read It?“
Jenni Berebitsky, San Francisco Book Review, May 2019
“City of South Bend Office of the Mayor – Proclamation: Jenni Berebitsky Day“
Mayor Pete Buttigieg, South Bend, IN, May 16, 2019
“Book Review – ALS Saved My Life“
Angela Thompson, May 2019
“City of Indianapolis Office of the Mayor – Proclamation: Jenni Berebitsky Day“
Mayor Joseph H. Hogsett, Indianapolis, IN, May 6, 2019
“ALS Saved My Life…until it didn’t“
Carol Jean Skinner, May 2019
“Indy Film Fest Feeatures ‘Grateful'”
Mark Ambrogi, May 2019
“ALS Warrior Gives Secrets to Full Life After Terminal Prognosis”
Joe Blair, March 2019
“Sedona International Film Festival, Full Interview of ‘Grateful’ Director, Paul Nethercott, and Producer, Amy Pauszek”
March 2019
“‘Grateful’ Attracts Film Festival Invites”
Mark Ambrogi, February 2019
“JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival Announces 2019 Film Selections“
February 2019
“Hope and Humor: Life with ALS”
Jenna Cohen, January 2019
“‘Heartland Film Festival features executive producer Pauszek’s documentary ‘Grateful'”
Renee Larr, October 2018
“Great Day with Patty Spitler”
October 2018
“‘Grateful’ wins Audience Choice award”
Current Publishing, August 2018
“A Look Behind the Lights, Camera and Action in Carmel”
Janelle Morrison, August 2018
“New film follows Indianapolis woman with ALS | Fox59”
Fox 59, July 2018
“Doc Short ‘Grateful’ Set for World Premiere at Indy Shorts Film Fest”
Shari Rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, July 2018
“‘CHS graduate Park’s movie to make debut in Indy Shorts Festival”
Mark Ambrogi, July 2018
“Opening Night at the Indy Shorts Festival”
Dan Grossman, July 2018
“In hospice for two-plus years, Indy woman with ALS shares why she’s ‘Grateful’ in film”
Shari Rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, July 2018
“Indy Shorts Feature Highlight: Paul Nethercott and Amy Pauszek”
Dan Grossman, July 2018
“‘Grateful–The Jenni Berebitsky Story’–A Must See Film at Indy Shorts”
Terri Stacy, June 2018
“Best Friends Forever”
Susan Kasten, Beloit College Magazine, Winter 2017
“Indy woman in late stage of ALS: ‘I feel like a ragdoll'”
Dana Benbow, Special to Indy Star, December 2017
“Indy woman with ALS turns 40; she wasn’t supposed to”
Dana Hunsinger Benbow, Indy Star, May 2016
“Woman battling ALS to compete in Triathlon”
Dana Hunsinger Benbow, Indy Star, August 2014
“Defying her ALS diagnosis, woman competes in triathlon”
Video, Indy Star, May 2016
“ALS Women”
Helen Raines, Pink Magazine, September 2014
“Indy Woman with ALS: ‘By some miracle, I still have my speech'”
Dana Hunsinger Benbow, Indy Star, August 2013
Events
Press
“Jenni Berebitsky Inducted into the North Central High School Alumni Hall of Fame”
North Central High School, September 2021
“The Power of Hypnotherapy & Losing Your Friend to ALS with Dr. Natahsa Kassam Paris (ND)”
Chelsea London Lloyd, Dying of Laughter Podcast, September 2021
Lessons I Learned From ‘Grateful: The Jenni Berebitsky Story’
Abby Gardner, IndyMaven, November 2019
In Film, Recently Deceased Jewish Naturopath Says ALS Actually ‘Saved Her Life’
Rich Tenorio, The Times of Israel, November 2019
Expressing Gratitude
Greg Seiter, South Indy’s Southside Magazine, September 2019
Indianapolis Mother Who Lived 10 Years with ALS and Wrote About It Dies
John Tuohy, Indy Star, August 29, 2019
When You Have 18 to 24 Months to Live
Courtney S. Warren / Jenni Berebitsky, Psychology Today – Naked Truth, August 2019
Serious Oscar Contenders Unveiled at 2019 Indy Shorts International Film Festival
Matt Fagerholm, RogerEbert.com, July 2019
St. Louis Superman Snags Two Top Prizes at Indy Shorts Film Fest
Richard Propes, The Independent Critic, July 2019
Heartland Film Announces Winners at Indy Shorts International Film Festival
Heartland Film, July 2019
Book Review – SMS Nonfiction Book Review
Kathleen Garber, SMS Nonfiction Book Review, June 2019
“Book Review – ALS Saved My Life“
Debra C. Argen, Luxury Experience, May 2019
“Heartland Film Announces the Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award Ahead of Indy Shorts International Film Festival“
Heartland Film, May 2019
“I Wrote a Diary; Now Anyone Can Read It?“
Jenni Berebitsky, San Francisco Book Review, May 2019
“City of South Bend Office of the Mayor – Proclamation: Jenni Berebitsky Day“
Mayor Pete Buttigieg, South Bend, IN, May 16, 2019
“Book Review – ALS Saved My Life“
Angela Thompson, A Mama’s Corner of the World, May 2019
“City of Indianapolis Office of the Mayor – Proclamation: Jenni Berebitsky Day“
Mayor Joseph H. Hogsett, Indianapolis, IN, May 6, 2019
“ALS Saved My Life…until it didn’t“
Carol Jean Skinner, Live Laugh Love, May 2019
“Indy Film Fest Features ‘Grateful’“
Mark Ambrogi, Current, May 2019
“ALS Warrior Gives Secrets to Full Life After Terminal Prognosis“
Joe Blair, Health Thoroughfare, March 2019
“Sedona International Film Festival, Full Interview of ‘Grateful’ Director, Paul Nethercott, and Producer, Amy Pauszek“
March 2019
“‘Grateful’ Attracts Film Festival Invites“
Mark Ambrogi, Current, February 2019
“JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival Announces 2019 Film Selections“
February 2019 Grateful is highlighted as one of the films they’ll be showing that celebrates the strength and resilience, as well as a tribute to strong female protagonists whose experiences made a difference for their families and the world.
“Hope and Humor: Life with ALS”
Jenna Cohen, January 2019
“‘Heartland Film Festival features executive producer Pauszek’s documentary ‘Grateful'”
Renee Larr, October 2018
“Great Day with Patty Spitler”
October 2018
“‘Grateful’ wins Audience Choice award”
Current Publishing, August 2018
“A Look Behind the Lights, Camera and Action in Carmel”
Janelle Morrison, August 2018
“New film follows Indianapolis woman with ALS | Fox59”
Fox 59, July 2018
“Doc Short ‘Grateful’ Set for World Premiere at Indy Shorts Film Fest”
Shari Rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, July 2018
“‘CHS graduate Park’s movie to make debut in Indy Shorts Festival”
Mark Ambrogi, July 2018
“Opening Night at the Indy Shorts Festival”
Dan Grossman, July 2018
“In hospice for two-plus years, Indy woman with ALS shares why she’s ‘Grateful’ in film”
Shari Rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, July 2018
“Indy Shorts Feature Highlight: Paul Nethercott and Amy Pauszek”
Dan Grossman, July 2018
“‘Grateful–The Jenni Berebitsky Story’–A Must See Film at Indy Shorts”
Terri Stacy, June 2018
“Best Friends Forever”
Susan Kasten, Beloit College Magazine, Winter 2017
“Indy woman in late stage of ALS: ‘I feel like a ragdoll'”
Dana Benbow, Special to Indy Star, December 2017
“Indy woman with ALS turns 40; she wasn’t supposed to”
Dana Hunsinger Benbow, Indy Star, May 2016
“Woman battling ALS to compete in Triathlon”
Dana Hunsinger Benbow, Indy Star, August 2014
“Defying her ALS diagnosis, woman competes in triathlon”
Video, Indy Star, May 2016
“ALS Women”
Helen Raines, Pink Magazine, September 2014
“Indy Woman with ALS: ‘By some miracle, I still have my speech'”
Dana Hunsinger Benbow, Indy Star, August 2013
Events
Resources
By no means am I the only ALS patient, caregiver or medical professional with a story to tell and advice to give. Here is a list of websites worth exploring:
Websites
ALSuntangeld.com—reviews alternative and off label treatments (AOTs), with the goal of helping people with ALS make more informed decisions about them.
ALSA.org—The ALS Association helps patients and families cope with the day-to-day challenges of living with ALS by providing information, resources, and referrals to many sources, including a wide variety of community services. The ALS Association’s nation-wide network of chapters and other partners provides localized patient and family support in communities across the country.
ALS.net—ALS Therapy Development Institute—the world’s foremost drug discovery center focused solely on ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
IAmAls.org—A patient-led, patient centric community that reshapes public understanding of this disease, provides key resources to the community, and creates opportunities for patients to lead the fight against ALS and search for a cure.
PatientsLikeMe.com—track and compare symptoms, progression, and protocol results with ALS patients around the world.
Every90minutes.org—Within in this site there is a technical guide with links to various things to help make life with ALS more productive.
ALSNewsToday.com—a news and information website about the disease.
YourALSGuide.com—designed to provide clear information, connect you to resources, save you money, expand your support network, and generally make life with ALS a little easier.
PerformanceHealth.com—a great one-stop shop for devices and advice.
ALSFromBothSides.org—Written by a nurse who has been living with ALS for 30 years. She goes into great detail about some of the medical complications one may face as a result of ALS.
JasonClementalsFund.com—Jason’s Guide to Living with ALS, from a man’s perspective.
