A note from the filmmaker.
State of Care
A Feature Documentary In-Production.
At the anatomy scan for her son, Hallie Nesbitt knew her arduous journey through the Texas medical system was only beginning. Parents and caregivers must overcome confusing paperwork, restrictive qualifications, and long waitlists to get sufficient care for their medically disabled children. In a state known for its pride, hospitality, and love of life, Texas parents unite to support each other in the struggle to get assistance for the most vulnerable.
Grady Ln Boutique is a unique clothing shop in downtown McKinney, TX, owned by Hallie Nesbitt. In spring of 2025, my wife, Hannah, and I worked with Grady Ln to have custom hats made for our film club. We became friends with Hallie, her husband (Elijah), and her two boys (Grady and Callahan). At the time, Hannah and I were working on a series of short films featuring business owners and artists in our area. Our focus changed when Hallie told us they were paying out of pocket for Callahan’s nurse, Jay.
I wanted to do whatever I could to help. Our initial short film introducing Hallie’s story captured the attention of the local community who rose up to support the Nesbitts.
State of Care journeys with Hallie Nesbitt as she advocates for her medically disabled son and families like hers. Hallie’s son has hydrocephalus, is blind and deaf, and requires skilled care. In the summer of 2025, the Nesbitt family was informed by their insurance company that funding for their child’s home-care nurse had run out. Feeling abandoned by insurance and the state, Nesbitt fought to keep her child from falling through the cracks of an apathetic healthcare system.
She began to speak out and her story spread, connecting her with thousands of other families like hers. Parents of medically disabled children must balance caretaking, working full time, endless doctors appointments, and daily life while fighting for proper care for their children. Nesbitt and other caregivers spend unnecessary amounts of time and energy navigating bureaucratic medical paperwork.
The Texas healthcare system is often out of touch with their lived experiences and needs, as funding and coverage continues to be cut. Nesbitt has found support and strength in community, both locally and online, and these families will continue to advocate for their children. This candid, vèrité documentary reminds the audience that the medically disabled are not just case numbers.
Matthew Q. Nelson
This film is fiscally sponsored by:
The Gotham Film & Media Insitute
