Independent Lens Season 7 Episode 29 A Lion in the House

In the Independent Lens season seven episode 29, entitled A Lion in the House, the cameras follow five families as they navigate the emotional and psychological turmoil of caring for a child with cancer. The documentary, which spans over six years, portrays the realities of pediatric cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and bone marrow transplants.

The show provides an intimate portrait of young patients and their families from the onset of diagnosis and treatment through the complex and unpredictable paths of improvement, remission, and relapse. The filmmakers capture the children's resilience, innocence, and strength despite the adversity they face. Through the parents' candid accounts, the show also uncovers the challenges of financial strain, marital conflict, and a loss of identity, as the families grapple with their fears, hopes, and unwavering dedication to saving their children's lives.

Each family's story unfolds in a unique and compelling way, allowing the audience to witness their personal struggles and triumphs. The first segment follows 12-year-old Tim, who suffers from acute myeloid leukemia, and his parents, Sue and Ed. Tim's mother shares their experiences of the initial diagnosis and the difficult decision to pursue experimental treatment at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

The next episode follows six-year-old Alex, who is battling lymphoma while receiving care at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. Alex's mother, Terry, courageously loans her son's medical journey as the family deals with the financial strain of cancer treatment.

Next, the show introduces the Malones, a family of six dealing with the diagnosis of their youngest daughter, Al, with neuroblastoma. Al's father, Ed, recalls the devastating moment of diagnosis and the family's struggles with insurance coverage and not neglecting Al's siblings.

The documentary continues with young Justin's journey, which starts with a rare form of cancer that eventually leads him to fight for his life while battling addiction. Justin's unique story also focuses on the difficult path to recovery from his battle with cancer.

The final focus is on Jen, who is diagnosed with an aggressive form of osteosarcoma at age 14. The documentary follows her relationship with her father, Art, through the ups and downs of the treatments she is receiving.

A Lion in the House is a powerful and emotional documentary that is not afraid to tackle the harsh realities of pediatric cancer. The show demonstrates that, despite a wide range of circumstances, each family has something in common: the relentless desire to save their child's life. By exploring the families' fears and hopes, the show tackles how cancer affects not only the patient but also the entire family. The show portrays the strength of the human spirit and the power of a community coming together to support one another during times of need.