Canadian TV airs award-winning documentary on man’s MS journey

Mathew Embry, diagnosed at age 19, has been free of symptoms for 27 years

by Andrea Lobo, PhD | June 5, 2023

Three people stand close together as they look at information being shown on a tablet.

As part of last week’s World MS Day, a documentary about the life of Mathew Embry, a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient who’s been living symptom-free for more than 27 years, has premiered on national Canadian television.

The critically acclaimed documentary, called “Living Proof,” premiered June 4 on The News Forum Network. Directed by Embry himself, it provides a unique and inspiring narrative about living successfully with the disease. The documentary will also be shown Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. EST.

“MS is a disease that affects so many Canadians, and our aim with this film is to inspire hope for patients and their families,” Embry said in a press release.

Embry was told there was no cure for MS when he was diagnosed in 1995, at age 19, but his father, Ashton Embry, a research geologist, immersed himself at a medical library and developed a dietary plan that would later be known as the Best Bet diet. Embry adhered to the diet and physical exercise guidelines, and has remained healthy ever since.

The film also explores some controversial aspects of MS, including the relationship between advocacy groups and pharmaceutical companies, and the policies of the medical system regarding MS. The program, which has been generating discussions, encourages viewers to critically analyze the available information.

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From diagnosis to ‘Living Proof’

According to Embry, treatments discovered by top scientists that’ve been shown to positively impact mobility have been shut down by big pharma companies and have faced delays from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some approaches, such as dietary and exercise programs, do not offer the prospect of a marketable drug.

He also notes that some charitable associations refuse to take part in sharing crucial information.

“We are thrilled to bring ‘Living Proof’ to The News Forum. This powerful and touching documentary has resonated with audiences and we believe it will leave a lasting impression on our viewers, bringing hope, understanding, and empathy,” said Tore Stautland, founder of The News Forum.

The documentary had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. It won the Audience Award, Best Alberta Feature, at the Calgary International Film Festival.

The documentary’s trailer is available online and the full documentary is on Amazon.

Embry also created the website MS Hope for people currently living with MS. Its goal is to provide the science-based strategies that helped Embry live a healthy life for more than two decades since his diagnosis.

“I invite you to hear more of our story and begin your journey to regain control of your health and future,” Embry said on MS Hope’s webpage.

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About the Author

Andrea Lobo, PhD Andrea Lobo holds a PhD in cell biology/neurosciences from the University of Coimbra-Portugal, where she studied stroke biology. As a research scientist for 19 years, she participated in academic projects in multiple research fields, from stroke, gene regulation, addition, and rare diseases. She has authored several research papers in peer-reviewed journals.