WHEN HOPE MOVES

A Documentary Review of Because I Can
Written by Aalia Lanius

“The moment that anything is taken away, you'd wish for anything to have it back.”

There are documentaries that tell a story, and then there are documentaries that invite viewers to reflect on their own lives. Because I Can does both. It is currently available for all on YouTube.

I will be completely honest: I love being active. Long walks, time outdoors, and even a good jog are things I genuinely enjoy. However, because of my own health conditions—including POTS, Sjögren's syndrome, fibromyalgia, and the effects of previous cancer treatment—I have never completed a marathon. As a result, I have often wondered what motivates people to take on such a demanding challenge.

When I became part of the cancer community, marathons became something I was increasingly aware of. They were often connected to fundraising, awareness campaigns, and personal journeys. Because I Can offers a meaningful glimpse into why people choose to run, but it does so through a much deeper story than simply training for a race.

The documentary follows Allié McGuire and her lifelong friend Angela as they travel to Philadelphia for marathon weekend. What begins as a story about running quickly becomes a story about resilience, friendship, identity, and living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Through interviews, personal reflections, and conversations with others living with MS, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the realities of the disease while also seeing the many ways people continue to pursue meaningful lives despite its challenges.

One of the most powerful themes throughout the film is the idea of adapting to change. After her diagnosis, Allié is forced to confront the loss of abilities she once took for granted. Her reflection that "the moment that anything is taken away, you'd wish for anything to have it back" captures a truth that many people living with illness or disability understand immediately. The documentary does not ignore the difficulties of MS—fatigue, uncertainty, vision loss, and the emotional impact of diagnosis are all discussed openly. At the same time, it refuses to define people solely by their diagnosis.

Another quote that stayed with me was Allié's realization that success means learning "to not be tethered to the outcome, but the process." That perspective extends far beyond running. Whether someone is navigating illness, recovery, grief, or simply the challenges of everyday life, there is something universally relatable about finding value in the journey rather than measuring worth only through results.

The film also provides an opportunity to learn more about Allié and Jack McGuire, founders of Aware Now Media. For years, they have dedicated themselves to sharing stories that raise awareness about important social issues. In many ways, Because I Can turns that lens inward, allowing viewers to learn more about the people behind the platform. Their commitment to storytelling is evident throughout the documentary, particularly in the way they introduce other individuals living with MS, highlighting the diversity of experiences within the community.

​Perhaps the quote that best captures the heart of the film is: "If you don't have hope, you have nothing." Hope is woven through every aspect of the documentary—not as false positivity, but as a conscious decision to keep moving forward despite uncertainty. The film acknowledges pain and setbacks while still leaving room for possibility.

I believe many people facing life-changing diagnoses will find something meaningful in this story. More importantly, I think people without those experiences will gain a greater understanding of what it means to live with chronic illness. The message is simple, yet profoundly powerful: there are many reasons to do difficult things, but sometimes the most meaningful reason is also the simplest.

You do it because you can.

And for those who understand what it feels like to lose abilities, face limitations, or wonder what comes next, those words carry extraordinary weight. ∎