Lorenzo's Oil?

Answer 1

A movie by that name was made some time ago with Susan Sarandon based on a real life child who was dying of a rare disease, always fatal with no cure--I believe there is an enzyme missing or some type of fat that is not produced that is needed by the body.

His parents got to work, on their own cure and came up with what they called "Lorenzo's Oil" which saved him. It doesn't work in all cases of this disease, however. Simply can't remember the name of it, but a simple Google search should turn it up.

Good movie too.

Answer 2

I love this movie. I used to show it to my 11th and 12th graders to impress upon them what responsible parenting is. Lorenzo, who has a metabolic disorder (he cannot digest long-chain fatty acids) is dying and current medical treatments aren't helping him. He has been referred from doctor to doctor and his parents suffer immense pain and distress with Lorenzo's potential outcome. (Remember the library scene where Nick Nolte finally realizes Lorenzo's fate?). The two parents take matters into their own hands, educate themselves about the aspects of long chain fatty acids, and develop a way to "trick" Lorenzo's digestive system to avoid the consequences of neural damage from malabsorption. They work like hell, they consult books, they study biochemistry, and they come up with innovative ways to create formulas to give to Lorenzo. Meanwhile, Lorenzo's condition is becoming worse.. and horribly irreversible. Some medical professionals give the parents a hard time about their methods, and some feel the two parents are using him like a test rabbit. However, Lorezo's parents stay strong and assure everyone that Lorenzo would want to help other children with the disease... even if he could never be normal again.

The parents, played by Susan Sarandon and Nick Nolte, were strong, independent, and instead of relying on the medical community for answers to their son's critical problem, found an answer for themselves. In the process of being loving, devoted parents.. they found a measure that will forestall the consequences of Lorenzo's disease.

I impress on my students.. after the movie.. that this shows what parenting is all about. Sometimes doctors or other professionals won't have the right answers for your child. The idea I am trying to convey is that although we (as parents) aren't always highly educated or trained, there is much power in the quiet persistence of a parent with determination to help a son or daughter.

I cannot say enough good things about this film......

AND the library scene was filmed in Pittsburgh, PA at the Old Penn Train Station... I remember the roads were blocked off for Nick Nolte and Susan Sarandon!

This movie is TREMENDOUS, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Answer 3

It was a movie starring Susan Sarandon and Nick Nolte.

Answer 4

ha.. i just watched that in biology class, like 3 days ago

Answer 5

for me it was difficult to watch