Lorenzo's Oil 1992

Lorenzo is a bright and dynamic young boy residing in the beautiful Comoro Islands, where his father, Augusto Odone, works for the World Bank. However, everything changes when his family relocates to the United States, and Lorenzo begins exhibiting alarming signs of neurological issues, including frequent falls, hearing loss, and unexpected tantrums. After several tests, he is diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a disease that unfortunately has a grim prognosis of being fatal within two years.

Faced with a lack of treatment options, Lorenzo’s parents, Augusto and his determined wife, Michaela, embark on a relentless quest to find a solution for their son. Their journey sees them navigating a maze of medical professionals, scientists, and a skeptical support group, all doubting the feasibility of finding a cure for such a rare condition, especially by laypeople like themselves. Yet, their perseverance leads them to roam through medical libraries, conduct reviews of animal studies, and connect with experts, including Professor Gus Nikolais, all while persistently challenging the status quo of ALD research.

Despite setbacks and the heart-wrenching reality of watching their beloved son’s health decline amid disbelief from others, the Odones remain undeterred. They sponsor an international symposium for scientists focused solely on exploring potential treatments, demanding not only their participation but also a commitment to investigating real solutions. During a pivotal moment at this meeting, Dr. William B. Rizzo reveals exciting research regarding oleic acid’s effects in halting ALD’s debilitating factors. Seizing this glimmer of hope, the Odones inquire whether this oil could aid their son.

Even as the scientific community cautions them about the long and arduous journey ahead, Michaela starts working tirelessly to secure a supply of this oil, reaching out to over 100 firms worldwide until she finds an elderly British chemist, Don Suddaby, who is willing to take on the challenge. Their efforts culminate in obtaining a precious vial of oil, derived from the optimal mixture of long-chain fatty acids, which they administer to Lorenzo.

Remarkably, this innovative treatment, later dubbed “Lorenzo’s Oil,” leads to significant improvements in Lorenzo’s condition, stabilizing the detrimental accumulation of fatty acids in his blood. However, while it holds promise in preventing further damage, Lorenzo’s neurological recovery is frustratingly slow, prompting Augusto to tackle yet another daunting task: finding ways to repair the myelin sheath around nerves.

At the age of 14, amidst their adversity, Lorenzo demonstrates tangible signs of recovery; he is able to swallow, accurately respond to questions by blinking, and even regain some vision. The film concludes on a hopeful note, showcasing other ALD patients who benefited from “Lorenzo’s Oil,” emphasizing the tremendous impact of the Odones’ determination in changing the course of a tragic disease. Through their unyielding spirit, they ignited a spark of hope not just for Lorenzo but for countless others battling the same affliction.