Pellissippi State students’ docudrama on girl’s illness shows May 28

A locally produced docudrama based on a Knoxville girl’s brush with death will get its first public showing May 28 at the Carmike Wynnsong 16 movie theater in West Knoxville.

The 37-minute film, “A Weakness Worth Boasting: There Is a Power Greater Than the Human Spirit,” was written and directed by Michael Cummins, who earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Video Production Technology from Pellissippi State May 8. Cap J. Stewart, who also earned his Associate’s degree in Video Production Technology May 8, served as co-producer and director of photography.

The film tells the story of Morgan Moeller, now 12, and her family as they struggled with her brain swelling that complicated her treatment for diabetes in October 2001. The swelling was the result of a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), according to Cummins. About 90 percent of people with DKA die, and survivors generally live in a vegetative state.

Using interviews with family members, friends, and church and medical professionals, the docudrama explores Morgan’s “miraculous” recovery and the profound life-saving role that her family attributes to faith and God. The girl now is in school and has resumed a normal life in Knoxville.

Cummins says he was working on a documentary about medically documented healing miracles when he heard about Morgan’s story. Cummins and Stewart started work on the project in December and finished in April.

The film will be shown May 28 at 6, 7 and 8 p.m., and proceeds from the showings will go toward the Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser June 4. Tickets are available at Cedar Springs Christian Stores.

"Inside Pellissippi" is a bi-monthly electronic publication produced by the Community Relations Office for the faculty and staff of Pellissippi State Technical Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Road, P.O. Box 22990, Knoxville, Tennessee 37933-0990. All suggestions and comments should be sent to Julia Wood (jwood@pstcc.edu).

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