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Neuro Note #3: TransFatty Lives

TransFatty Lives is a documentary on Netflix about Patrick O'Brien and his journey with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). I chose this documentary because it was recommended in class as we were learning about ALS, which is a progressive disease that effects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. I am glad I waited until the ALS lecture to watch this documentary and recommend it for anyone who wants to know more about the disease or about the inspiration, that is Patrick.

Patrick first noticed something was up when he was 30 years old and on a trip to Mount St. Helens and began to notice a tremor in his foot.  He visited the doctor and was diagnosed with ALS. Because the disease is so progressive and there is no treatment, Patrick was aware that he could die in the next few years. What a strange feeling at any age, but especially at the young age of 30.  We've all heard the phrase "live like there's no tomorrow".  This documentary puts that phrase into a different context for me.

Patrick stated he was a better person after his diagnosis. He began focusing on things that really matter rather than things that don't. Patrick was an artist, internet sensation, and filmmaker. When Patrick was diagnosed, he was shooting a film on Howard Johnson's restaurant and decided to turn the camera on himself, and so many people, especially me, are blessed that he did.

Patrick is brilliant, funny, creative, and most of all brave. He shows in this film, with no filters, what real life is like living with ALS. Patrick fell in love and had a son, Sean, who is the most important thing in his life. The documentary also shows Patrick's devotion towards raising awareness for ALS. The film continues to show the progression of the disease and, through it all, Patrick states, he always has his mind and that is what keeps him going.


www.transfattylives.com



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