“Making The Life We Have was a profound exercise in discernment — discerning what is real, what is important, and what is meaningful.

Over the course of 18 months working with Rob to tell his story, our filmmaking team encountered countless creative challenges. From the emotional weight of documenting someone at the end of their life to balancing compassion with unflinching honesty, we found ourselves navigating a sea of emotions, footage, and possibilities — a thousand potential stories unfolding before us.

One of the biggest questions we wrestled with in production was, “Why make this film?” Rob often told me, “If I could do this anonymously, I would. I just want to help others.” His words became our North Star, guiding our decision-making throughout the process. We were constantly asking ourselves, “How is Rob’s story, a story for everyone?”

The reactions from audiences have been deeply varied and moving. Runners see their own journeys reflected in Rob’s perseverance. Family members are brought to tears. Others find profound meaning in his recollection of sitting under the chemo machine for the first time.

Of course, there are countless moments and themes we couldn’t include. But ultimately, I hope this film captures an honest balance of darkness and light — and that it reminds us all of the profound gratitude we can hold, whether healthy or sick, moving or still, alone or together.

Thank you for watching.”

Sam Price-Waldman, Director