Holding On features three couples coping with the resultant physiological, cognitive, emotional, sexual, and social issues of disability. Twenty years ago film producer and Flynn Center Director John Killacky (one of the subjects of this film) was partially paralyzed from unexpected complications from surgery. Holding On begins with his husband and himself discussing their experiences followed by world-renowned cellist Joan Jeanrenaud (formerly of Kronos Quartet) and painter and UC Berkeley professor Katherine Sherwood and her husband.