From Spine Surgery Victim to Award-Winning Filmmaker

By Krisanna Sexton

This is how I would sum up our journey over the past several years.

My partner Dana went from laying in our living room recovering from spine surgery to being the main character of a documentary focused on healing.

I could have never imagined this amount of pain could lead to the life we have today, a life in which we are experiencing healing and helping spread hope to those still spine surgery. She was completely traumatized after two incredibly invasive surgeries only six weeks apart, thanks to a mistake in the

Because she had been alone in the ICU as no visitors were allowed during the pandemic, she had night terrors and couldn’t be alone. So after she came home, I would lay beside her with my hand on hers and make sure she knew I was always there.

In those moments, when the days felt like years, and the darkness seemed to last forever, I prayed for hope. I prayed for an answer to the question, why - Why her? Why did this beautiful person I loved and thought we were good people - why did such awful things happen to good people?

The questions went on and on, seemingly unanswered. My brain was searching for any bit of meaning. I recall telling someone I knew that no matter what the future holds, it would never make sense WHY we had to go through this. I was angry and frustrated and felt we were victims of these awful circumstances.

After some time, Dana began to improve slowly. Although I was a up a camera in months as I spent most of my time caring for Dana. At some point, however, I felt compelled to document parts of our journey.

I believed she would eventually be in a better place, and I felt the show progress. Eventually, Dana could walk longer distances and even go up our stairs. However, her what it was like after my partner Dana came home from her second pain was still worse than before surgery, and we had many regrets about agreeing to the surgeries in

As we neared the 1st anniversary call from a producer interested in hiring me to create a documentary on healing. She worked directly for Ilchi Lee and said he wanted to struggled through the pandemic.

Ilchi Lee is a world-renowned author, spiritual teacher, and humanitarian from Korea. He established a retreat center in Sedona, AZ, called Sedona Mago Center for Well-being and Retreat, and we knew of him because we had attended a life-changing retreat there years earlier.

I had done some video projects for the retreat center, and after seeing my work, Ilchi Lee decided I would

At this point, Dana was on disability and unable to work, so she came with me to meet and discuss the healing when we were still trying to forward, and we began production immediately.

The day before we met with Ilchi Lee, I was in meditation and felt strongly that Dana should be the mentioning it, but as Ilchi Lee got to know us, he said the same thing.

We were given full creative to be much more than just our stories. We wanted to show how others had healed themselves and also see what was possible for those experiencing these healing didn’t know how it would unfold, but we trusted the Universe to be our guide and set our intentions on creating something to help spread hope and healing to the world.

As we worked on a title for the wanted the world to know that “you are your own best healer and the power of self-love.” Out of these Love Heals, and it couldn’t be more

The most powerful part of the production was bringing together who had never tried immersion in ancient practices such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, and meditation. These individuals were all struggling in some area of life and seeking healing. Witnessing and documenting the transformations in a 5-day retreat was remarkable, and I was forever changed. was still very much on her healing journey as she still experienced quite a bit of nerve pain in her body. It was very important to me that Dana has an authentic experience and does not feel the pressure to “heal” or be out of pain closure. relates to heart coherence, and we couldn’t be more excited (to follow our journey, check out RescuedHeartsFilm.com). we receive notes from people worldwide sharing how much the needed for their journeys. They share that Dana’s vulnerability helped them heal parts of themselves and put less pressure on themselves to get to a certain place.

So we intentionally determined a production so that we would let the authentic journey be our guide regardless of the outcome. I’m so grateful for that intention because it allowed Dana to be herself fully and provided an awakening about what it means to heal.

2022, and the response has been incredible.

And isn’t that what love is all about?

We released Love Heals in January

11 languages, shown in person and virtually to audiences worldwide, most recently was accepted for release on public television by PBS sometime this year.

In those dark days at the beginning of 2020, I could have never predicted how much our darkest days would lead to the greatest life I’ve ever known. Dana and I have found our life’s calling and are more committed than ever to spreading hope and healing

We have begun production healing power of horses as it

I now feel overwhelming gratitude for this journey and every challenging moment as it led us to where we are today. Dana relationship with challenging times, as we now see them as important moments paving the way for something remarkable.

The truth is that this season helped us tap into something inside of us that only knows limitless potential, too.

Bios

Krisanna Sexton is the awardwinning Director of LOVE HEALS and video content since she was 16. She is the primary cinematographer for LOVE HEALS and did the editing, audio mastering, and color correction herself. She believes in the power of storytelling and pours her heart and soul into each story she has the privilege of sharing.

Dana Croschere is the awardwinning Producer of LOVE HEALS and is featured as the main inspirational and full of obstacles, including two unsuccessful spine surgeries in 2020. Yet, while she still experiences some chronic pain, Dana has been able to harness the power of these ancient mind-body practices to facilitate continued healing in her body which has rippled out into every area of her life.

Synopsis

LOVE HEALS is an award-winning documentary that will be nationally broadcasted on PBS starting in 2023. LOVE HEALS follows the journey of Dana, a chronic pain

Together, they travel the country to understand how ancient mind-body principles have helped so many heal and to see what is possible for those experiencing these practices

With a combination of experts, energy healers, master trainers, and everyday people struggling the research of acclaimed scientists like Dr. Bruce Lipton with the wisdom of globally renowned energy healers like Ilchi Lee. This Water Up Fire Down: An Energy Principle for Creating Calmness, Clarity and a Lifetime of Health” by NY Times best-selling author Ilchi Lee. Water Up, Fire Down refers to a balanced a clear mind, open heart, and more power. Our mission is to by introducing ancient energy principles that empower them to and acceptance for themselves, and take charge of their health and well-being. We also hope to inspire a movement to create peace, harmony, and healing in their lives, with those around them, and for our planet.

Endorsements

“If you’re looking for a light in the darkness of your healing, THIS FILM IS IT!” ~ Dani

Fagan - Mind-Body Coach + Yoga Instructor

“This is not just a documentary. It’s a healing documentary.” ~ Dr. Les Aria - Pain Psychologist

“The overall message - that we all have the power to heal ourselves through self-love is transformational.” ~

Dave Beal - Speaker & Author

my healing process and the healing of the world.” ~ Jenny

Cusack

“Words cannot fully express my reaction to this epic journey that was not only masterfully produced but holds the promise of changing countless lives.” ~ Michael

Sexton

“I’ve always been a huge advocate of self-love and holistic health, but to practices that allowed me to connect to my body in a way I’ve never experienced.” ~ Leah Rachel

Boquilon

When I say the word “community,” what is your

Some may think back to their “hometown.” Others may say it is a group of people sharing something in common such as music, books, genealogy, or any hobbies or interests. You may tell me it is your professional organization. Any or all may qualify. Today I want to share how I see community and why I have dedicated my life to it.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN LONELY?

“We have all known the long loneliness, and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” ~

Dorothy Day