Extraordinary Measures Movie Review

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This is the incredibly true story of a father and a family who triumph in the face of insurmountable barriers.

John and his wife Aileen receive grim news from the doctor that there is no cure and no hope of saving the lives of their two youngest children, ages 8 and 6 who are stricken with an incurable life threatening disease. They are told to go home and enjoy the time they have left.

John Crowley risks his present happiness, and stability, working for a major pharmaceutical company, to insure that his two children who are diagnosed with Pompe Disease, have a chance to experience future happiness. But time is of the essence. The life expectancy for children with this condition is only 9 years.

This film highlights John Crowley's spiritual and physical journey in his quest to find a cure for the hereditary condition that has afflicted his two youngest children.

John quits his job, and increases his research into the disease. He seeks out Dr. John Stonehill, a University of Kansas scientist who is renowned for his work in the field and is on the verge of formulating an Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Pompe. Once they meet, it is agreed that they need each other. Doctor Stonehill will ramp up his research in hopes of formulating a cure, if John can secure venture capital to fund his work.

During his search to find financial backing for Dr.Stonehill's research, John discovers that biotech venture capitalists are not bleeding hearts. Dr.Stonehill's genius and abrasive personality, nearly jeopardizes the funding they so desperately need. And John comes face to face with his own personal and professional demons.

But in the midst of it all, John and his wife Aileen, are encouraged by the compassion of so many others. They gain incredible strength and support, as they become acquainted with other families whose children are living with Pompe. The Crowley's come to realize that they are not only fighting for the lives of their own children, but for all of the families with children, who have been or will be diagnosed with this life threatening condition.

The support and strength they receive spurs them on, and allows them to continue towards their goal.

In the end, an effective Enzyme Replacement Therapy protocol is discovered. The Crowley children are allowed to participate in sibling studies and clinical trials, that are deemed as being highly successful. The results which are now extending their lives, as well as benefiting all children with Pompe Disease.

The main strengths of the film for me were:

* The importance of having supportive family and friends.

* Obstacles and barriers are not permanent roadblocks but opportunities.

* One person's organized efforts can make a difference.

* Knowledge is power!

* Being a witness to the fact that compassion, focus, and determination, can bring about positive results.

Personally, I think that this movie should be renamed;

"Extraordinary Miracles"

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