Lorenzo's Oil

1. What do you think of the fact that the medical community resisted the Odones' treatment ideas? Why did they say they did?

The treatments had not been thoroughly tested on a large scale and did not have enough supporting evidence to even do so. The medical community also didn't want the Odones to give people false hope until they know for sure if it worked, how well, on whom, and what the side effects were.

1. Why did the ALD parent support group resist the Odones' treatment ideas? What do you think of their response?
   The medical studies must be conclusive to draw good results on a condition that in the 1970’s did not even have a name. The support group wanted to follow what the doctors said because the doctors were the biggest hope to everyone even though their sick sons had to be used as guinea pigs to help the future boys afflicted. The parents said that it was the doctors job to do the research, not theirs.
2. What do you think is the role of support groups? How did the support group affect the Odones in this situation?
   The support groups are supposed to be a place to let the parents relax because they are in a place of understanding and openness to speak about their struggles. For the Odones, it seemed a place of self-centered attention that did nothing more but mope about instead of taking action. The Odones did not like the support group because the support group discouraged absolutely everything the Odones did that was proactive.
   

3. How did Augusto's analogies (the kitchen sink, the paper clips) help him solve the scientific problem?
It gave them a basic question to answer which is the key in any science experiment. Then it gave Augusto a physical thing to look at which helps many people when fighting a invisible demon. People need to look at a puzzle to fix it.

5. What does it mean when there is competitive inhibition of an enzyme?
When a enzyme is stopped from binding to a substrate, such as lipids, and so the enzymes function is not properly carried out.

6. Did the family's courage and persistence inspire you? How?
It is extremely inspiring to anyone who has a disease and when they figured something out, it was so joyful but Lorenzo’s condition still brought a overlaying layer of sadness because it made everybody so sad.

7. What role does Omouri play in helping Lorenzo get better?
Omouri gave him and his mother hope and happiness. He reminded them of better times not even 2 years prior. He also took proper care of Lorenzo, like stretching him and reading to him and singing songs.

8. How do you think scientists should communicate their ideas and findings and work together for these orphan diseases?
Well back in the 1970’s, communications were very limited and information coveted. Now, there are more medical journals. There is instant connection to people half way around the world with video conferences and collaboration of all sorts. This gives so many people a bigger opportunity to talk and discuss all the sides of the puzzle so we can hopefully find answers sooner and save more lives.