Neuro Note: TransFatty Lives

    TransFatty Lives was an interesting twist on the raw depiction of a man diagnosed with ALS.  Patrick O'Brien was a New York City DJ who got diagnosed with ALS at the age of 30.  He created the film and made it very relevant and honest. 

    Being a musician by nature, the film was very deep and poetic.  He said once that before he was diagnosed, he never thought life could get any more complicated.  O'Brien said he realized how unimportant most things were before he was diagnosed.  The fact that the disease was only going to worsen adds an intense mental and emotional struggle to ALS. 
    At the end of his life, Patrick fought relentlessly to stay alive.  He narrated the film to his son Shawn using his AAC.  When they took him to the hospital, he repeatedly said he did not want a tracheotomy.  Although, he made the difficult decision to get a trach and live in a nursing home just to be alive for Shawn.  Because Patrick's cognitive function was still intact living at the nursing home became monotonous.  Patrick had an idea to have a fashion show using the nursing clothes and equipment.  It was inspiring that in the midst of the end stage of ALS, Patrick's humor and creativity never diminished. 
    I chose to watch this film because I heard good reviews from my classmates, and we recently learned about ALS.  Learning what happens to individuals behind closed doors is so important for future OTs.  This film showed the struggle, fear, and vulnerability that can accompany ALS.  Patrick directed this film all while typing directions using the movement of his eyes!  How amazing!  I think this would be a great resource for other students to watch on their own time.  I really enjoyed watching it, but I'm not sure everyone would as a class. 


O'Brien, P. (Director). (2015). TransFatty lives [Motion Picture]. United States: Netflix.