A Son’s Survival

Spirit and survival In Home Away From Home, USC alum Mimi Bitew’s mother, Yitaish Ayalneh, recalls growing up on a farm in Ethiopia eating natural foods and getting regular physical exercise. Now living in Los Angeles with her husband and children, Ayalneh notes marked lifestyle differences, including eating fast food and having to make time to stay active. Living with high blood pressure, she strives to be a good role model for her children, teaching them family values, maintaining tradition and cooking healthful meals in her household. A Son’s Survival explores the ripple effect that illness had for one Korean-American family. Dae Jae Kim, the father of USC student Joan Kim, is living with liver cirrhosis, diabetes, high blood pressure and stomach ulcers. In the film, the father shares the challenges he faces with doctor-patient communication, health insurance and working to establish a new life in America, while taking care of his parents and his own family.