My Sister's Keeper

The Fitzgerald family is rocked by the devastating news that young Kate has been diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. This life-altering condition brings despair to her parents, Brian and Sara, as they grapple with the reality of their daughter's fragile health.

After discovering that neither of their other children, Jesse nor themselves, are genetically compatible to save Kate, Brian and Sara make the drastic decision to conceive a 'designer' sibling. Their hopes lie with the unborn Anna, who they believe will provide the necessary genetic material for Kate's treatment.

Anna is born and immediately a plan is set in motion to save her sister. The doctors harvest Anna’s umbilical cord for the blood and stem cells needed to combat Kate’s illness, marking the beginning of a life intertwined with her sister’s needs.

As Kate’s health continues to deteriorate, the dynamic within the family shifts. Sara becomes increasingly reliant on Anna as a donor, while Brian struggles with the ethical implications of their decisions, leading to growing tensions between the two parents.

Anna feels the weight of responsibility as her sister battles her illness. The bond between the sisters frays, compounded by Kate's guilt for the strain on Jesse, who silently suffers from undiagnosed dyslexia throughout their family’s turmoil.

As Kate approaches her 15th birthday, her condition worsens, leading to an agonizing choice for Anna. She is faced with the decision to donate a kidney to save Kate’s life, a sacrifice that carries significant implications for her own future health.

In search of autonomy, Anna consults attorney Campbell Alexander, who relates to her struggles and agrees to take on her case pro bono. Their relationship evolves as Anna embarks on a legal battle to gain control over her medical decisions.

As Anna’s legal fight unfolds, tensions rise between her and Sara, creating a significant rift in their relationship. Brian's attempt to protect Anna leads him to take her to live temporarily at the fire station, further complicating family dynamics.

During her treatment, Kate meets Taylor, a fellow cancer patient, and their brief romantic connection provides her a moment of joy amidst her suffering. However, the fleeting nature of this happiness is shattered when Taylor suddenly passes away, deepening Kate's despair.

Heartbroken by Taylor's death, Kate spirals into a dark place. In a moment of desperation, she contemplates ending her life, but Anna steps in just in time to provide crucial support and avert tragedy.

As the trial approaches, Sara fights fiercely to protect Anna’s autonomy in court. During the intense hearing, Jesse bravely confronts their mother, urging Anna to reveal the truth about her own feelings surrounding the donation, which dramatically shifts the proceedings.

The courtroom confrontation reveals that it was Kate who urged Anna to refuse the kidney donation, understanding the risks involved. This revelation breaks through Sara's maternal instinct, guiding her to the painful acceptance that Kate's time is drawing near.

Surrounded by love, Kate peacefully passes away in her sleep, leaving behind a profound sense of loss in the family. This moment marks the beginning of a long and challenging journey through grief for her parents and siblings.

In the wake of Kate's death, Anna emerges victorious in her legal battle, allowing the family a renewed sense of closure. They start to rebuild their lives, beginning to move past the pain while cherishing the memories of Kate.

As the years go by, Anna honors Kate’s memory by visiting Montana each year on her sister’s birthday. Through these reflections, Anna comes to understand her purpose was not simply to be a donor, but to cherish the bond they shared as sisters.