…First Do No Harm

Set in a modern medical era, the film features contemporary hospital practices, CT scans, EEGs, and drug therapies that were common during the late 20th century. The story also reflects healthcare challenges of the time, including insurance issues and transfers between private and public hospitals. Medications used, such as phenobarbital and Dilantin, align with the pharmacological landscape of that period.

The Reimuller family’s life centers in a quiet Midwestern town and in a sequence of medical settings as Robbie’s seizures unfold. The home atmosphere contrasts with the clinical intensity of pediatric neurology visits, hospital stays, and long drives to Baltimore. Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore serves as a focal point for advanced treatment options, while a convent lodging in the city becomes a temporary base for the family.

💪 Resilience

Lori’s relentless advocacy for her son drives the narrative, as she navigates doctors, clinics, and insurance hurdles. The family endures financial strain and emotional stress, yet their bond sustains them through a harrowing medical crisis. The story emphasizes how parental determination can propel treatment decisions when medical options are uncertain. The arc moves from fear and desperation toward possibility and renewed hope.

⚖️ Ethics

Doctors propose invasive options like surgery while the parents seek safer, less drastic measures. The film probes questions of patient autonomy, risk, and quality of life in the face of severe epilepsy. It also touches on the tension between medical authority and a family's right to pursue alternative therapies, even under challenging circumstances. The hospital environment and custody concerns test the limits of what is considered best for the child.

🥗 Diet Therapy

The ketogenic diet is introduced as a beacon of hope when medications fail to control Robbie’s seizures. Lori’s determination leads them to Johns Hopkins, where a dietitian explains the approach and a fast kick-starts the regimen. Robbie’s seizures begin to abate and his cognitive function improves as the diet takes effect, illustrating how nutrition can play a pivotal role in epilepsy management. The film highlights the diet’s practical challenges and gradual, transformative impact.