The Zebra & The Bear Film Screening
Join AWIS for a virtual screening of The Zebra and The Bear, available to stream October 6–12.
Film Synopsis
When her daughter is diagnosed with a fatal, ultra-rare genetic disorder, one mother refuses to accept the impossible. The Zebra and The Bear follows Amber Olsen’s extraordinary journey to save her daughter Willow from Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency (MSD)—a diagnosis with no known cure.
Filmed over seven years, this deeply emotional documentary captures a family’s unwavering determination to raise millions of dollars to fund gene therapy research and improve Willow’s chances of survival — while navigating the heartache and strain of caring for a child living with a rare disease.
Watch this powerful story to learn more about the development of breakthrough treatments for rare diseases, the challenges that families face, and the unyielding strength of one mother’s love.
A Call to Awareness and Action
Rare diseases affect over 300 million people worldwide, yet most receive little attention or funding. This film brings visibility to the families behind the statistics and the urgency for innovation in rare disease research. It’s a story that resonates with scientists, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and anyone who believes in the need for federal science research funding.
This screening has ended.
Thank you for your interest in The Zebra and The Bear. The free streaming window ran from October 6–12, 2025, and is now closed. Subscribe to AWIS News Brief for updates on future screenings.