Fighting Back: Children battle against leukemia (1980) - The Fifth Estate

Adrienne Clarkson tells the story of four children with leukemia and their struggles to survive. They include Michael Cluff, 13; Karen Clark, 9; Tony Coutinho, 16; and Theresa Pickett, 9. Filmed at the War Memorial Children's Hospital in London, Ont., Fighting Back focuses on the bond of mutual support formed among the children, their parents and the staff. This documentary earned producer John Kastner one of the four Emmy Awards he received during his career.
First broadcast: January 29, 1980
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About The Fifth Estate: For four decades The Fifth Estate has been Canada's premier investigative documentary program. Hosts Bob McKeown, Gillian Findlay and Mark Kelley continue a tradition of provocative and fearless journalism. the fifth estate brings in-depth investigations that matter to Canadians - delivering a dazzling parade of political leaders, controversial characters and ordinary people whose lives were touched by triumph or tragedy.

[@rkuklinsky5352]

in 2005 at the age of 5, my son Henry-Louis was diagnose with Acute non-Lymphoblastic Leukemia M5 Type, at that time he only had 5 percent chance of surviving it, after long and painful experimental treatment and against all odds he survive, today he is 20, and in perfect health, but a couple of side effects will stay with him for the rest of is life!

[@celinapenteado1556]

God bless your son. May he live a long and happy life.

[@jecrispy8217]

Amen

[@Mia-es1rp]

Thats amazing! Thank you for sharing about Henry im sure that will give hopes to others.

[@purplepeopleeater6880]

I think little Theresa was very brave and courageous. She was able to stand up for herself even though she was so physically weakened and in so much pain. What a beautiful child ❤❤❤

[@Dipdipdogshit]

Her little face broke me. That poor sweet child, very brave ❤

[@jennybyrd2818]

I fully agree

[@all4mom-xv1hp]

I hope she didn't literally bleed to death at home; that would have been horribly traumatic for her family to witness, helpless to do anything about it.

[@kimbobby3046]

I agree. Those beautiful eyes and tiny nose. I'm glad she got to say enough is enough. She went through enough. God bless her

[@Trisha-uh1gb]

I'm a hematology/oncology RN this touched my heart. As a new grad I had a 16 y/o with breast cancer having a double mastectomy. She passed. Watching this Michael's passing Broke my heart 💔

[@marleenninaka1303]

So heartbreaking when children die from cancer. 😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫

[@JC-du6sn]

Also, look up Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer. Page 64 😇

[@libbyhargarten2809]

Tony sitting next to Michael in the hospital bed just about killed me 😭

[@aebniala]

Its called médical Errors...

[@Lava_Girl-]

Omg same😭😭

[@teijaflink2226]

Same, I could't keep tears in anymore, I feel like I have got a punch or something.

[@madreep]

I'm bawling. Michael's death hit me in the feels hard. He was so reckless, almost as if he figured that he was going to die anyways so he might as well have a great ride. My niece's first love died of osteosarcoma after it metastasized to his lungs four years ago, he was 19. He handled his diagnosis alot like Michael. He went from being the sweetest kid who immersed himself into our family making us all love him deeply to being annoying, angry, and alternatively pushing us away while wanting to be held close at the same time. His last few months were emotionally exhausting for us. We supported him fiercely and he so wanted to live. He and my niece had split up before his death because at 17 she could no longer handle the ups and downs of his moods. He became incredibly mean. But when he called her she was right there with him holding him until he took his last breath. She wouldn't let the undertakers do anything. She bathed him, dressed him, and styled his hair for his burial. No one else would have done it how he liked it. I still catch myself calling my sister to ask about him because he hadn't called me in a while. He was the most annoying kid ever and I loved him for it and miss him every day. I think he wanted to make sure we never forgot him and we won't.

[@yesterdayitrained]

Thank you for sharing an incredibly sad, but also beautiful, life. I am so touched by your words- that you will never allow him to be forgotten. He has been remembered by you, and introduced, and will be remembered, by so many others now.

[@TeeNicole10]

God Bless their souls🙏🏻

[@denisedenise3602]

Very good yet extremely sad docu. Rest in peace little Theresa, 9 is too young to give up on life, so tragic, so sad.

[@leerwesen]

It is, but after experiencing all that - more than most of us will in our entire lives - I can see why she decided to die her own way. Though a part of me wonders if part of it was her just not wanting to suffer. Like they couldn't have given her medicine to sleep and then look for a vein? Nowadays they would use a Picc line if they needed meds on an ongoing basis, or ultrasound to help find a vein, and numbing creme to reduce pain.

[@cordelia8360]

She didn't give up on life. Her disease was no longer responding to treatment and she was dying.

[@kimbobby3046]

She went through more than we could imagine. Good for her! Enough is enough.

[@manbearpig2164]

I remember 1st grade my friend Jeremy died from leukemia, our school planted a tree for him, I'm 39 now and I still remember him and I wonder how that tree is doing

[@totukimou]

I'm so sorry for your friend! I have no words... You're remembering him! This is so sweet of you! I thank you for that! God bless you sir!

[@BM-lw6gn]

go and see

[@surlywithfabshoes]

If you go to Street View on Google Maps you might be able to see it depending on where it’s planted.

[@surlywithfabshoes]

My friend, also in Grade 1, died from leukaemia too.

[@manbearpig2164]

@@surlywithfabshoes good idea, I think I will do that, I know exactly where it was planted, thanks

[@janjohnsonamarillas3386]

Poor little precious ones , my heart goes out to people with such horrible diseases , I had to pause this several times because it made me cry , may those Rest in Peace ,!

[@leerwesen]

Being sick but looking healthy, that reminds me of a friend who had cancer. He looked perfectly fine in photos, even when he was taking pain drugs just to go out for his favourite food, even though he could barely eat. The cure is often worse than the disease, even all these years later. To everyone with cancer who fought it to the end, or those who realized they were going to die and decided to meet their end their own way in relative comfort, I hope if there is a heaven they can all meet together and have a huge party. I wish the best for the parents, friends and other loved ones of all the people in this documentary, and everyone else touched by cancer.

[@TeeNicole10]

AMEN 🙏🏻

[@karenem6321]

What really guts me about this is Michael was only a few years younger than me. He'd be in his mid 50s now - that's 40 years of life not lived. So sad.

[@teijaflink2226]

More than 40 years since Michaels death and here I'm crying like I can't almost breath, I got almost through this beautiful, heartbreaking documentary but when Tony satt down next to hs bed everything just broke. Michael seemed like such an amazing, curious, fun, adventurous beautiful human, so incredibly sad he didn't get the chance to explore this life more and have His own family. I can't imagine the pain these brave children go through.

[@TeamBTC17]

I am 7 minutes in and went to comments to see if Michael survived. I’m broken. What a beautiful boy, a shining light. As a new Nana I have a grandson and I would give my life for him and my daughter I cannot imagine the horror of this diagnosis. Fly high Michael, I have a feeling that you enriched the lives of anyone who knew you. 💙

[@nooraqueen2716]

Neither did Tony survivor he ended up dying the cancer came back and he passed away

[@celinapenteado1556]

My oldest brother died in 1980 of Lymphoblastic leukemia at age 19. He lived only 3 months from diagnosis. Today this cancer is highly curable. Too young. I was hoping Tony Coutinho would have lived a long and rich life. However, to my big dismay, he died in 1985. Cancer is devastating for anyone, but when children are diagnosed, it is heartbreaking.

[@Ashley-Renae1989]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother, Celina. My brother, Eric, died the day he was born due to being premature, so I know what it's like to lose a sibling. When our time comes, we'll see our brothers again. I'm sure of that. 💘💔

[@VeganBambi]

tony is alive and well, i looked him up and saw pictures of him from this year and it's definitely him, same teeth and everything.

[@gideaoferreira4293]

​@@Ashley-Renae1989 does he really died?

[@lentak779]

@@VeganBambi link ?

[@nooraqueen2716]

Where did you find the link

[@katethewholenesshomeembody6024]

As a mother I cannot even fathom putting my knowingly dying child back in a hospital bed, entirely alone, and leaving him there….how on God’s green earth is that even possible…

[@KarenReep]

My cousin died of leukemia in 1982. It was so hard on my aunt. This is so sad. ❤️

[@TeeNicole10]

So sorry for your loss🙏🏻

[@lang-ed3bk]

my cousin (i think he's 2 yrs older than me) had leukemia since i was at least 12 (he was diagnosed earlier but i'm not sure when). doctors told him that he only has months to live; i am now 40, and he is still alive

[@JulieR73]

Life is so precious. To all people who have cancer, you’re in my prayers.

[@CetribeaBurundibwiza-tz5le]

This is very hard to watch

[@emmetkelly8372]

This is a powerful and haunting documentary

[@surlywithfabshoes]

It’s crazy to think that, in the not so distant past, a child would die in hospital without their parents with them. To get a phone call in the night that your young child has died....glad it is different now and parents stay with the child throughout treatment. These kids must have been terrified to be away from their parents while they were dying. And to also have it be the norm not to tell children what was happening to them, especially with older children. It also seems weird that when the one child who stopped walking they didn’t ever figure out why.

[@kimbobby3046]

Hospitals are so different now! To me who is nearly 60 ..?it really wasn't that long ago. It's all so hard to believe how that do things

[@shainawood890]

I just want to say thank you to the souls who went through this because of their sacrifice ,struggles , willingness and strength other children that have to deal with these illnesses have a chance to survive and live longer and less painful lives so from my heart and soul i say thank you!!!!

[@TeeNicole10]

Amen 🙏🏻

[@oliviaLOVEShenry]

1:15:11 “Mommy’s not coming” You can’t believe that children were separated from their parents, that a nurse would tell a child that their mom wasn’t coming and do nothing to try and comfort that little boy. It’s one of the most distressing things I’ve ever watched in my life.

[@darksasuke9241]

I wonder if that little boy is still alive… i hope he is

[@NationalismDjazair]

@@darksasuke9241 probably not.

[@surlywithfabshoes]

It’s why things have changed so much. Now parents can be with their kids 24/7. Having parents there reduces stress, anxiety and to a certain extent, pain. I’m glad that the medical community paid attention and changed the rules. It was a different time though.

[@kimbobby3046]

That was unbelievable!

[@MsBhappy]

Even after all these years I can see why this won an Emmy. A poignant piece with bittersweet moments of pure familial and youthful joy in times of tragedy. Lives lost far too soon

[@theresa42213]

MsBHappy ~ l saw this when lt came out. l was 12, and remembered Theresa, but l thought her last name was ''Spikers'' rather than ''Pickett''. l am simply floored that l found this docu! lts been 45 years. Just glad that we have innovated new treatments for this terrible disease.

[@nicholasheather647]

I watched this when it aired when I was 12. I was staying at my aunts place up in Coombs. We (my three cousins and I) were allowed to watch the beachcombers and the wonderful world of Disney on sunday evenings. That’s all the tv we were allowed. But somehow, we stayed up and watched this. It gutted me. He was the same age as me and my cousin che. I remembered it out of the blue tonight. It gutted me again. Why do I do this to myself? I remember feeling so bad that we got to go on living, and he didn’t.

[@KQuinn672]

This is eerie as I was 11 1980 I'm now 52 but had leukemia in 2019! I had exact symptoms as Michael

[@mustwereallydothis]

When I was a child, leukemia was pretty much a death sentence. By the time I had my children in the 80s, there was reason for hope. Now, the cure rate with treatment is over 95%. One done... a few hundred other forms of cancer to go.

[@aprilfisher4947]

Yes true and a girl who had been in my class at secondary school died in 1974 from leukemia at age 17 while I at that time was expecting my first baby and getting married I never got over that feeling of her life ending while I was carrying a new life and I still think of that pretty , popular and really nice girl 50 years later.

[@nooraqueen2716]

It’s still not 95% a lot less then that most children diagnosed with Lukemia die

[@nooraqueen2716]

@@aprilfisher4947she was a child so heartbreaking

[@deniseouillette6995]

These children in this era have suffered so much/// My GOD dieing alone in a hospital room without ur parents, Just horrific! Now those poor souls fought so hard.... and 40 yrs later so much has changed, Those children that fought in the trenches are the true hero's

[@wishingyoupeace]

Yes I wish we knew better. Those children suffered m.

[@1GGBEE]

These children having bone marrow aspirations awake! I’m being sedated for mine. Rest in love, you precious angels.

[@christophercrafter2609]

I cried over all of this but I especially cried over Theresa. Nine years old and terminally ill.

[@bonnytaylor7558]

Halfway thru and I am sobbing..these poor children having to go through this..and the parents bless them 😪😪😭😭

[@elizabethburgon6040]

My #1 man, my grandson Julian, past way from lukemia. The first time he had it he fought it. Had chemo for months. Then he got a donor. It worked, but for only 8 months. Damned if it came back. He was getting ready for for another transplant, but he got sick. To sick for the transplant. Two months later, he was gone. I miss him so much.

[@jacquieiscool]

My friend died from leukemia last June took her so fast , which was so sad !

[@colinvanblaricom6573]

This is such a sad documentary, such courageous kids experiencing this at such a young age :(

[@annettehunter9743]

Such brave children. No child should have to go through this physical and mental torture. Life can be so cruel to beautiful innocent children.

[@conniescher3359]

In 6th grade my best friend died of leukemia. I named my daughter after her. Kellie.

[@bonnytaylor7558]

Connie that is so lovely ❤❤

[@Lava_Girl-]

Can't possibly hold back my tears...this was so sad.

[@audreydempster6630]

My little boy suffered this horrific lymphoblastic leukaemia he was diagnosed and died 8 weeks later from sepsis and a bleed into the brain stem while his platelets were low rip my sweet boy David J Currie ❤28/12/1987-5/5/1992 ❤🕊️

[@star.cat.]

So sorry for your loss. Heartbreaking. You will be reunited with your David, when the time is right ⭐️

[@StephAnie....]

❤😢

[@marleenninaka1303]

My deepest condolences to your family.

[@bonnytaylor7558]

Audrey my heart aches for you. Sending love and hugs ❤😢😢

[@garycooper9207]

😭💖

[@maplematoke]

Little known fact about Tony Coutinho : he ran with Terry Fox -- famous Canadian who also had cancer , who decided to run across Canada in order to raise money for cancer research ; to end it once and for all . He ( Terry Fox ) wrote in his diary that he ran with young 17 year old male that had leukemia . Im not 100% sure if this is same Tony Coutinho or not . RIP to Terry Fox & Tony Coutinho , and Michael Cloff.

[@reneesantiago6496]

So what age did Tony die and was in his cancer?

[@VeganBambi]

tony is alive and well today. I don't know why people think he passed. A quick google search and he shows up. He's a CEO and it's him. same name and same chipped front tooth. @@reneesantiago6496

[@jamescreen4539]

@@reneesantiago6496, he was 22 when he died on May 1, 1985.

[@nooraqueen2716]

@@reneesantiago6496he got cancer again at 20

[@heatherbowlan1961]

One of the Best documentary I’ve ever seen ! Very sad ,but a look into tragedy that happened to our fellow human beings .it could be any of us or someone we love , God Bless these parents .

[@mariahbanke1795]

One of the best documentaries

[@2kiona]

Gosh! Those poor little one's going through those painful tests. I know in the UK, they put kids to sleep to do the hip marrow extraction and spinal taps. These kids have gone through so much, and having to go through more pain needlessly breaks my heart. Those little ones are braver than they know.

[@TeeNicole10]

You are so right about 😰😰😰😰

[@TeeNicole10]

I'm screaming where is the MORPHINE 😰😰😰😰😰😰😰

[@bobs1356]

That nice looking boy story was so sad made me cry.

[@debrakleid5752]

My dad died of leukemia in 2021 after a 3 1/2 week battle. Can’t imagine children having to go through this. In 1979 I was only 2 years old. Thankfully the success rates for leukemia is higher now.

[@star.cat.]

Heartbreaking. I am so desperately sorry to learn about what these children went through x

[@spikeytrousers]

As a survivor of this horror, I had leukemia, the same time as these warriors. During the troubles in Northern Ireland. I'd like to say ... be at peace warriors..for life after, has it's meaning, but you just can't relate to anyone, what you have been through.

[@kristenrocha4868]

I started watching this with a lot of trepidation but felt i wanted to see it. I am a Mom who lost her 10 year old son to leukemia and fought this battle beside him for 6 years through BMTs, chemo, drug trials and thise daunting hours waiting for results. My heart goes out to these families and all families who have had cancer touch their lives. I would really like to know how Tony is..

[@nooraqueen2716]

He sadly passed away in 1985 cancer came back when he was 20 and he died at 22

[@juliette2729]

I was a teen in the 70's - recognized the songs at the teen dance. I was really touched by the lives of all the sick kids but especially was upset over Michael's death. He.certainly was a charming, happy, + positive person right up to the end. All 3 who died went through painful treatments + had long lives that were snatched from them. I have a strong belief in Jesus + I HAVE to believe their beautiful souls are in heaven. R.I.P sweet angels.💐 This includes my sister, just recently my oldest brother. Also everyone with this terrible illness or who has passed from it or.any other illness. If Tony is still alive I wish him all the best in life.

[@NationalismDjazair]

Tony died in 1985

[@VeganBambi]

he's alive @@NationalismDjazair

[@nooraqueen2716]

He’s not alive he died in 1985

[@barbaralamson7450]

I don't believe doctors should be allowed to say how long a person has left to live. It is a massive heartache either way. My husband was given various time frames, the last time he was given 30 days. He didn't have three. A false window of hope, no. Just an added pain we do not need.

[@le__graveuronyoutube]

Yes. This why I believe we shouldn't know, we are not supposed to know. False hope or feeling of doom or heartache. Either way ....

[@IamJaneS]

My husband's specialist told me on the quiet, that he'd be surprised if hubby lasted a year. Very nasty cancer. One of the worst he'd seen. We are coming up to 5 years, and he's still cancer free. I am so sorry for your husband. My heart breaks for people like you. It really does.

[@billjoe39]

indeed, imagine a person who doesn't know what day THEY will pass, telling others what their life expectancy is

[@SM-eh2vv]

My son is fighting Leukemia right now

[@novemberonathursdaymanymoo7459]

Prayers for your son.. And your you and everyone in your lives. 🙏❤

[@colinvanblaricom6573]

Prayers, he's gonna survive I know!

[@amberdelligatti9635]

Prayers for you and your son❤

[@garycooper9207]

I pray for your son 💖

[@user-hf2if7mi3p]

❤❤❤❤

[@totukimou]

Exactly that! "The cure is worse than the disease"

[@billjoe39]

worse still, the 'cure' is anything but, usually chemo, not cancer, kills the patients

[@trenthogan4212]

@The Fifth Estate What happened to Tony Coutinho? I watched this as a young boy in January 1980 when it aired and it left me terrified. I was a severe hypochondriac for years, I would panic every time I had a bruise.

[@christineroberts9780]

He died at 21

[@mollyhorse]

@@christineroberts9780Thanks for letting us know...so very sad.

[@maplematoke]

@@christineroberts9780 Even though he died young , at least he was able to make it out of childhood . It'll be nice though if he was able to lived longer .

[@yesterdayitrained]

1963 - 1985

[@VeganBambi]

He's alive, he's the ceo of a company right now. I know 100% it's him. same name, same facial features and even the same chipped front tooth.

[@lang-ed3bk]

that april fool's comment was so sad RIP Michael

[@surlywithfabshoes]

That cancer doc is such a warm and loving man. You can tell when he is speaking to the little girl about getting a blood transfusion and she’s holding his hand.

[@billjoe39]

so warm and loving maybe, but smart enough, were he in the same predicament, to refuse the toxic 'treatment' he himself gave these kids

[@surlywithfabshoes]

@@billjoe39 This isn’t a covid-type conspiracy against children. He dedicated his life to helping children with cancer. The vast majority of children under his care survived, and were happy the treatments were available in the first place. This was in the 1970’s. It’s like blaming the doctor for not doing an MRI, when MRI’s didn’t exist at the time. My best friend in Grade 1 died from leukaemia in 1982. They would have given anything to save their tiny daughter, even if the treatments were harsh. Their only child died. Seeing the absolutely broken hearted parents at her funeral is something I remember as clearly as if it happened yesterday. Almost all medical treatments improve over time. Cancer is no different.

[@billjoe39]

@@surlywithfabshoes If treatments improve over time, why is chemo and radiation still being used? And still making huge profits for drug companies? A market off of desperate parents, perhaps? And the conspiracy theory strawman is ridiculous......Rockefeller Medicine was founded on medical monopoly and profit, not healing. Research it yourself.....as if.......all these 4 kids under his care listed here, died ( one, a few years later) , so not sure where you got your 'saving many lives' figures.....you probably pulled them out of you know what

[@surlywithfabshoes]

@@billjoe39 WOW. You’re extremely rude and misinformed. This conversation is done.

[@billjoe39]

@@surlywithfabshoes It was 'done' the minute you brought out that hearsay testimonial

[@charlinehenderson4966]

Beautifully done documentary. I can’t help but wondering why there are so many leukemia cases in that area?

[@novizivot3631]

sugar and processed food

[@hanabbe]

omg. How very sad. Precious, precious children. Theresa made such a courageous decision.

[@donnahague8983]

This was beautifully done… RIP Michael… cancer is awful and no child should ever have to deal with that sickness

[@Erickajaderuelas]

I'm so sorry for all of you have lost someone & i wish any survivors the best of health 🙏🏻.

[@whendis.roberts9903]

Why isn't someone helping that small child

[@mellowmoods8393]

I was 3 years younger than Michael. What a courageous, charming, and engaging kid he was. I wish I would have known him. God Bless the parents who had to bear the brunt of this journey along with Michael.

[@sxceve25]

😪This was so hurtful 💔..

[@boogiestreet594]

That poor guy Tony Cutinho died 2 years later, he was hounded and haunted by this for 12 years... also how does the chemo and radiation only kill blast cells and not good ones?

[@reidchambers2521]

It does kill good ones.

[@VeganBambi]

tony is alive. i looked him up and found his picture.it's him. same name, same features, same chipped tooth.

[@thefangirlfromhell9627]

There is no discrimination. That’s why treatment makes sufferers so sick.

[@chrismadison305]

@@VeganBambi Ai bot spamming lies.

[@nooraqueen2716]

@@VeganBambihe’s not alive he died in 1985

[@veldubonnet5963]

I kept hoping that Michael would make it to Florida. So glad for the Make a Wish Foundation these days.

[@teijaflink2226]

Yeah he really wanted to go with Tony, he didn't even wish for that much but the cancer was very fast so probably was hard specially financially for his family to plan the trip but it's really sad he never got the chance. But even if short life seems he was a very happy and loved kid, so not that bad if a life.

[@ericmiszczyk9968]

Were any of you in that hospital during the making of this.

[@cosmokramer1987]

At 44:19 that doctor looks like he's on the verge of a nervous breakdown....

[@wilmaoberfrank1374]

Such a sad show i can't imagine anything worse than the loss of a child

[@illstuffamattresswithyou5657]

Sadly, Tony passed in 1985. 😢

[@novemberonathursdaymanymoo7459]

I have been running through the comments hoping so badly Tony hadn't passed... 💔

[@VeganBambi]

no, he didn't. i looked him up and he's still alive. He's doing fine. same name, same features, same chipped tooth.

[@VeganBambi]

he's alive, i don't know why people are lying. just google him and you'll find him. @@novemberonathursdaymanymoo7459

[@wifinet8838]

Are you sure? Where did you see that information?

[@rsr5161]

@@wifinet8838they are lying. I was in school with Tony. He unfortunately passed. His mom just passed last year as well.

[@NowThatsASpicyMeatball]

The music that plays in transition scenes triggers me for some reason. It makes me want to delve into madness.

[@onks1796]

these adults in the comments are making me loose my brain cells. i was diagnosed with leukemia at age 11 in 2018. i have just finished my treatments and am thriving. leukemia is only caused by bad luck and bad genetics. not by specific food or activities

[@alicekranyk4173]

Lose your brain cells-not loose.

[@onks1796]

@@alicekranyk4173 exactly, i can’t even spell properly because they’re making me lose my brain cells

[@alicekranyk4173]

@@onks1796 😂😂😂 How are you feeling now? Any better?

[@onks1796]

@@alicekranyk4173 yep pretty good, 6 months chemo free

[@chrismadison305]

Wrong.

[@jecrispy8217]

This was primative medecin. So much innovation, technology and more effective treatments have been developed and the evolution is continuous... Just to see a laboratory tech. Actually counting cells is amazing yet unheard of in modern medicine. I never thought that's how they did things back then. Not only has the medecin evolved but the psychiatric side follow-ups and treatments of the patients and their families have also greatly evolved. The approach is much more holistic... This film should actually be shown to all medical professionals. These brave young souls did not die in vain, this is a contribution for the better to the medical and caregiving professionals not to be overlooked. It is very very very humbling...

[@reidchambers2521]

et the treatments are EXCATLY the same ; poison, cut or burn.

[@kimbobby3046]

@@reidchambers2521 and many still do these painful tests while the poor kids are awake. That is so cruel

[@TeeNicole10]

😰😰😰😰😰😰😰MY HEART HURTS🙏🏻

[@ILOVEMUSIC159]

I was diagnosed with AML on the 23rd December 2019. I hope I'm going to be ok.

[@leerwesen]

I hope so too! Take care and you do YOU :)

[@reidchambers2521]

You will! xo

[@IamJaneS]

I hope you are still well. I am not a God believer, but bless you.

[@ILOVEMUSIC159]

@@IamJaneS aww hi Jane thank you for your comment. I'm doing good I'm in remission and no problems so far 🤗

[@novemberonathursdaymanymoo7459]

My prayers r with u ...And with your loved one's❤🙏

[@user-dj6hf6rb7d]

A brave boy to have his life vedio

[@stephenrafter1022]

❤️

[@Beelzebubby91]

Why did they not just give the kids a shot of morphine for those lumbar punctures, painful injections and blood work? Especially if they know the kids won’t live long, might as well relieve them of their pain.

[@billjoe39]

rockefeller medicine dictates that 'treatment' like chemo and transfusions should cause pain

[@carolevillines1947]

My older sister Angela Jean villines died from acute myelocitic leukemia @ 6 yrs old. On nov. 1.1956 after only 11 weeks after being diagnosed.

[@pikeman80]

Hard to understand why this episode got so many down thumbs but the cop ones get less.....and this is about people who help......and the cop ones more likely to include brutality.

[@billjoe39]

we see the thumbs down problem was solved since then......removed altogether

[@lynnpatenaude5548]

Brave kids!

[@tat2dgerl]

Does anyone know if the Michael Clough award is still given out? Or if Tony cuttino is still alive?

[@pearlkelly6337]

people said he died in 1985

[@hamatoJade]

My 21 year old uncle died of leukemia in 1986. It broke my mother's heart. Today he could have survived, but the technology wasn't that great back then.

[@le__graveuronyoutube]

The Cluffs had it right .... It is a terrible thing to have to tell (and to ultimately know). Especially if the child doesn't want or care to know. If he is curious and wants to accept it, then that's another story. But I would agree with them generally. I personally don't want to know when and how I would meet my demise (until the moment, possibly). I'm not looking forward to that moment, but I just try not to think about it. I think as humans, we are generally not supposed to know, especially if you still have your health. Focus on the good times and other stuff.

[@glennabarry1261]

" we're going to give you medicines that will make you sicker" ......... Ya that's going to help.

[@Barec76]

Maybe if they were honest with him, he would have handled himself better. Honesty is important. I can’t believe they didn’t tell him about the death of his friend.

[@reidchambers2521]

Nope. Lying to him about his lack of future, lying that his friend died is wrong. It is not giving any thought, nor respect to their son as a person. There are ways to handle it, and not say its hopeless, but he knew anyway (they always do) , That's why he talked to his social worker about his death, he knew that he would be given answers.

[@teijaflink2226]

Right, that's why parents are usually encouraged to tell even young children because usually already know or sence that they are dying. You're child might have lots of guestions which they might be afraid to ask because people don't want them to know, children are not stupid.

[@donnamiley6778]

I wonder how Tony is now. Anyone know?

[@colette3099]

So sad 😢😢😢😢

[@tonyquigley6543]

tony died at 22

[@trenthogan4212]

I looked everywhere for this. Do you have a link? Just wondering how you know. Thanks

[@MsBhappy]

@@trenthogan4212 A separate comment by LA LA "Tony's father's obit from 2014 states "Predeceased by his son Tony Coutinho." yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/obituary.asp?oId=821582 And this - Tony died in 85: geneofun.on.ca/names/photo/1874283" Very tragic. I can't help but think of what his life could have looked like today.

[@yesterdayitrained]

1963 - 1985

[@VeganBambi]

must be another guy cause i looked tony up and found him. saw a picture. same name, same facial features and same chipped front tooth. he's alive and well in 2023 and is ceo of a company. @@MsBhappy

[@VeganBambi]

nope, he's alive

[@angellaasabaawebwa3522]

I wonder if life is really beautiful

[@user-hf2if7mi3p]

Not always beautiful

[@shameacortes]

What happened to the other girl from the documentary, Karen Clark? Did she also pass like the others? 😢 I'm rewatching the documentary but see nothing that answers my question. Thank you.

[@thesunlessway]

53:27

[@shameacortes]

​@@thesunlessway thank you. :(

[@wishingyoupeace]

This was so heavy. How is Tony now??

[@hannahroyle2886]

I read that he died in 1985 😔

[@nooraqueen2716]

He died in 1985

[@bobs1356]

That poor little pale girl that's terminal this is unfair to children who won't grow up and live their life to the fullest.

[@NCmomof]

Her name is Teresa

[@jesseniavargas6969]

😔I honestly don't know if i could watch my princess die when a blood transfusion could stop it.💔

[@julietann349]

Does anyone know what happened to tony?

[@JulieR73]

He sadly died

[@VeganBambi]

he's alive and well, working as a CEO for a car company right now

[@VeganBambi]

he's alive, i wish people stopped saying he died. @@JulieR73

[@khala1299]

@@VeganBambi Tony is from Canada. The person you talking about lives in New Zeland

[@VeganBambi]

he can't move? dude, it's the same face and same teeth, same name. what a coincidence. @@khala1299

[@user-mu3fn3rh8q]

My first boyfriend had leukemia at 10 years old in 1990 but didn't die until 2014.

[@bonnytaylor7558]

😢😢

[@Daggers.33]

Very sad. Hopefully a cure can be found for all diseases

[@christineroberts9780]

That treatment is enough to kiil anyone. This was so sad to watch....

[@billjoe39]

welcome to rockefeller medicine

[@jeanalzaidi908]

The first father in the story looked just like robert deniro

[@mollyhorse]

Those doctors are angels walking this earth...

[@parkermelville8342]

No they aren't they push pills and treatments that enrich themselves and do very little if nothing for the patients.

[@mollyhorse]

@@parkermelville8342 Are you insane????

[@parkermelville8342]

You're obviously a brain washed sheep all one has to do is take a look at the cancer survival rates and you will see that there is little to no hope for someone diagnosed with most cancers and those rates are based on the 5 years after treatment so when these drs (frauds) talk about survival they only mean that you will survive for maybe 5 years after if you're lucky enough to survive the barbaric treatment that these lying scum push on unsuspecting people and they won't even consider anything alternative that isn't in a text book and then claim it isn't proven by science but again who give grants and funds studies oh right pharmaceutical companies that have the agenda of getting their dangerous ineffective treatments passed so to to say something as stupid as it isn't proven by science is indicative of them not wanting to find any potential cures and are happy with the current treatment that really hasn't changed much at all in the last 30 years despite what these liars in lab coats say.

[@Kyra_of_Kerkyra]

To me the doctor who insisted on "treating" the terminal 9-year old child rather than letting her die was a functional sociopath. I saw no angel in him in particular. Very cold, with no compassion for the child! He said it himself she was terminal yet he was all for sticking needles into her just 6 days before she died. No angel, cold emotionless individual.

[@yesterdayitrained]

@@Kyra_of_Kerkyra First, it wasn’t the doctor that insisted, it was the family. Second, when the family brought her in the second time, when she refused, her wishes were respected. The family brought her in, hoping the doctor could change her mind, and when he was unable, she was released. He would not do another transfusion without her consent. Third, he seemed like a very compassionate man to me. Maybe YOU are the sociopath.

[@mydudechris]

Mrs. Cluff, that's the exact reason why I dont beleive in God.

[@reidchambers2521]

100%

[@chrismadison305]

It happens because of sin.

[@christineroberts9780]

Tony died at 21

[@VeganBambi]

no, he's still alive. I looked him up and saw a photo. same name, same facial features and all.

[@nooraqueen2716]

He’s dead that’s a different Tony , he’s already predeceased

[@JamieStallingsworth]

Man. I'm a heartless, narcissistic person, but that little girl getting that spinal tap and bone marrow test really hit me in the feels. So sad.

[@Jaxxaamillion]

Does anyone know what became of Tony?

[@melinonya6232]

He passed away. I'm not sure what year but in his mother's obit it said he was deceased.

[@pearlkelly6337]

@@melinonya6232 1985

[@dennisseniorcourcoisier5962]

Sad

[@Brunoismyvoid]

My brother was born in 1985 and died In 1986 of leukaemia

[@KQuinn672]

I wonder if Tony is alive?

[@novemberonathursdaymanymoo7459]

I hate to tell ya.. But he passed.. I believe 2 yrs after this doc. 💔

[@KQuinn672]

@@novemberonathursdaymanymoo7459 ty so sad

[@yesterdayitrained]

1963 - 1985

[@KQuinn672]

@@yesterdayitrained sad

[@VeganBambi]

HE'S ALIVE. A quick google search he's there. CEO of a company. Alive and well. it's the same name, same facial features and same chipped tooth. @@novemberonathursdaymanymoo7459

[@user-yf5ty2mx7i]

I didn’t know that a child could decide NO MORE!!

[@user-hf2if7mi3p]

My cousin Joey died cro. Leukemia