Lorenzo's Oil

Lorenzo's Oil is based on the true story of Augusto and Michaela Odone. They were in search for a cure for their son Lorenzo's adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Until about the age of 7, Lorenzo Odone was a normal child. Doctors said that he would lose all his functions and die within two to three years. After then, he gradually showed symptoms of the disease. Some of the initial symptoms was he had poor memory, and his behavior changed by showing signs of irritability. Later on as the disease progressed, more serious symptoms were developed such as hearing loss, seizures, difficulty with walking and coordination. He was eventually diagnosed as suffering from ALD. Adrenoleukodystrophy is an extremely rare incurable degenerative brain disorder.
And so, the Odones uncovered the Myelin Project in the possibility of finding out a way to restore the myelin sheath. According to Lorenzo’s doctor named Dr. Moser, taking the oil reduced the chance of getting the disease by half. When Augusto and Michaela were told to be patient as they watched their son becoming weaker as months passed by, they took matters into their own hands. That is, they went through a series of struggles, and challenged themselves in search for a cure to which it tested the strength of their marriage, and the limitations of medicine. The Odones went to medical libraries to educate themselves in the hope of discovering something which can halt the progress of the disease. In addition, they badgered researchers and questioned top doctors, scientists, and chemists all over the world to find answers to their questions. At the end, some type of dietary oil from France gave Lorenzo a chance to live again even if his disease cannot be cured, but can only be controlled. And so, he could no longer regain most of his bodily functions. Lorenzo could only communicate again by a modified sign language.
This was an inspirational movie that really inspired me. The actor for Lorenzo gave an outstanding performance, which was very moving and I felt like I knew what Lorenzo’s going through. And the actress for Michaela and actor for Augusto gave a brilliant performance as parents trying to save the life of their son. I was touched by the members of the ALD organization who slowly gave in to support the Odon family. At the same time, I was heartbroken when situations went wrong with the plan in saving the life of Lorenzo and other children who were suffering from ALD.

Related Links:

The clinical course of childhood and adolescent adrenoleukodystrophy before and after Lorenzo's oil
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T50-42MW6JM-6&_user=961290&_coverDate=02%2F28%2F2001&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000049422&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=961290&md5=6d7c8e831046484a88e76bb723b3b5ed


This was an interesting experiment on the Drosophilia mutant bubblegum (fruit flies) that provided insights into the molecular basis for ALD.
Mutant Fruit Flies Respond to Lorenzo’s Oil
http://www.jstor.org/view/00368075/di002525/00p0005f/0?frame=noframe&userID=435c1661@loyola.edu/01c054500f27671150cfc8dc3&dpi=3&config=jstor
http://www.jstor.org/view/00368075/di002525/00p0045v/0?frame=noframe&userID=435c1661@loyola.edu/01c054500f27671150cfc8dc3&dpi=3&config=jstor

A Real-Life Sequel to 'Lorenzo's Oil'
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/27/AR2007012701542.html

Lorenzo’s Oil: The full story
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3907559.stm