Synopsis
People are going through things that we can't see. People can appear perfectly healthy, when in reality their body is struggling to perform basic functions. Husband and wife team, Ashley and Cort Rippentrop, created the documentary Behind the Visible to show what it’s like to live with an invisible illness, highlighting POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) in particular. POTS is a form of dysautonomia, meaning the autonomic nervous system does not work as it should. Your autonomic nervous system controls things we don't think about like breathing, heart rate, kidney function, digestion, blood pressure, and many other things. When this system doesn't function properly, it creates systemic problems and debilitating symptoms throughout the body.
Behind the Visible takes the viewer on a journey to get to know some people who live with POTS to show how it affects their lives. Not only do these people deal with the countless, very physical symptoms of their illness each day, but they are also up against friends, family, and even other doctors who think their sickness is all in their head. Also in the film are renowned specialists in the field and other POTS patients and their caregivers. By making an invisible illness more "visible," we hope our film helps to change the stigma surrounding chronic, invisible illnesses and helps the world understand what these people go through. What you see simply with the eyes is not always the full picture. Most importantly, Behind the Visible gives a voice to the unbelieved, dismissed and chronically ill. This film is sure to touch the hearts of many within the chronic and invisible illness community as well as their families.
Ashley Rippentrop
Ashley’s POTS symptoms really began to emerge at about 14 years old. After a couple concussions and a weird stomach bug from Mexico, it continued to progress into the debilitating disorder she currently manages. She and her husband decided to make a documentary about it to spread awareness. Ashley moved into a new role as a chronic illness advocate and also runs her art business on the side.
CeCe Collins
Cece is a vivacious Texas native in her twenties who has had seemingly endless health complications and autoimmune diseases while dealing with her POTS, but she doesn’t let that kill her vibe or positivity. She used to ride horses, take photos, and travel to Nicaragua when she was healthier, but now those things are extremely difficult to tolerate. Her life looks different now, but she still finds ways to see the joy in everything she does.
Kelly Clark
Kelly was on her way to a prestigious ballet career, having just completed a summer intensive at the Royal Ballet School in London. Lined up next was the Kirov Ballet Academy in DC. And then came POTS…causing her to hang up her pointe shoes. Crushed and in denial, she began to navigate this new life. After a period of grieving the life she thought she would have, she has newfound hope and she has a new furry friend to thank for it.