A Fighting Choice

Kellin Taylor, a 16-year-old with epilepsy, visits the nation’s most praised doctor after months of seizures. The doctor assesses his condition and considers the next steps, noting Kellin had not had a seizure in five months. The visit frames a cautious optimism about managing his illness.

Because Kellin's medical visits are frequent, his schoolwork falls behind and his parents express disappointment. They had hoped he could return to a regular high school soon. The tension over academics pushes Kellin toward additional help.

Susie Fratelli is assigned as Kellin's tutor to help raise his grades, and he immediately develops feelings for her. Susie responds with kindness and interest, despite his shy demeanor. The tutoring arrangement seeds a close personal bond.

Susie invites Kellin to jog with her the next morning, signaling a return to normal teenage routines. He agrees, though anxiety about his condition lingers. That night, Kellin suffers another epileptic seizure.

Susie isn’t frightened by his condition and stands by him, helping their relationship grow stronger. Their closeness gives Kellin emotional support as he faces tough medical choices. This bond becomes a counterpoint to the medical struggle.

Dr. Tobin cautions that current drugs may no longer control the seizures and outlines experimental brain surgery as a possible option. Kellin’s father Thad opposes the procedure due to perceived risks. The medical and parental views diverge, setting the stage for a contested decision.

Kellin discovers the surgical option via a letter and becomes angry that his parents kept him in the dark. He asserts his desire to decide for himself, even considering legal independence. The seeds of a legal battle are planted as he pursues control over his treatment.

Thad and Meg seek expert advice to understand the surgery's risks and benefits, learning that it could stop seizures but might not prevent others entirely. The family weighs uncertain outcomes as they navigate the path forward. Kellin’s resolve to pursue treatment strengthens despite the caveats.

Attorney Virginia Hagan advises Kellin to move out of the family home during the trial to protect his interests. The move strains family life and brings media attention into the courtroom drama. Kellin also grapples with guilt over the impact on his younger brother Harvey.

Following the legal strategy, Kellin moves in with Virginia Hagan, separating him from his parents during the proceedings. The living arrangement heightens tension at home but focuses attention on the case. The stake of the trial becomes more personal for Kellin.

In court, Virginia calls Eli Rhodes, a former epileptic patient who underwent surgery successfully, providing a tangible success story. Kellin feels inspired to continue toward the operation. During the final stages of the trial, he also becomes intimate with Susie for the first time.

Judge Rosenstiel decides to grant consent for the operation, acknowledging Kellin's right to decide his medical future. Thad and Meg, though disappointed, vow to support him through the upcoming surgery. The family begins to realign around Kellin's decision.

The brain surgery lasts five hours and concludes successfully. Kellin wakes in the hospital surrounded by his family and Susie, signaling a hopeful new chapter after years of uncertainty. The successful outcome marks the start of a new life post-surgery.