Dec 11, 2017
TRANSCRIPT
This is Episode 018 of Glioblast‑O‑Cast. What do I think about characters with brain tumors in movies and television series?
Hello, and welcome to Glioblast‑O‑Cast, the podcast about my life beyond glioblastoma. I'm your host, Meg Turecek.
In this episode, I will answer the question, What do I think about characters with brain tumors in movies and television series? In my show notes you’ll find a list of movies and tv shows that feature a character with a brain tumor.
An important aspect of any cancer is awareness of the disease by the general public. I’ve talked before about my effort to help awareness through this podcast. Because awareness is crucial to funding for research into a cure.
A cure for glioblastoma would be amazing. But right now, that seems like a long way off. So more research funds are needed. And awareness, in my opinion, is key to finding a breakthrough.
While news reports of famous politicians, actors, musicians and sports stars can spike awareness, more needs to be done. That said, it’s important when depicting character in movies and television as having a brain tumor that it is done authentically and in a way that helps the cause.
Ideally, it would be nice if these productions donated a percentage of revenue to research and treatment. I’m not holding my breath on that, but it would be a step in a positive way. I think the least they could do is to share links to brain tumor organizations during end credits.
I’m guessing that most entertainment productions consult with expert medical professionals for accurate details in their portrayal. But I think a panel of real patients and caregivers would enhance the authenticity of their production.
I’m all for realistic representation of the glioblastoma experience. But not all movies or tv shows depict brain tumors in a mindful way.
Recently, a British tv show had a character fake having a brain tumor. And I know there was a real-life person who started a crowdfunding campaign claiming to have a brain tumor.
The effects of brain surgery and brain tumors are not always evident just by looking at a brain tumor warrior.
I know the fake crowdfund appeal and the fake storyline on a popular tv drama have both upset many of my fellow glioblastoma warriors because that perception of faking can trickle down and cause hurt for some patients and perpetuate false, inaccurate information.
Some people may say that any publicity helps awareness. But I think characters faking is more harmful in the long run. Unless, of course, if they preface the film or episode with a disclaimer and information on brain tumor organizations for proper awareness.
In my show notes you’ll find a list of movies and tv shows that featured a character with a brain tumor. And, as a added bonus, some movies and tv with characters dealing with other cancers. I have not seen everything on the list, so I can’t vouch for it all. But if you’re in a mood to watch, check out the list.
And maybe somewhere in the future my glioblastoma story will be on the silver screen. What do you think?
Thanks for listening. This is Glioblast‑O‑Cast Episode 18.
Theme music for Episode 018: “Bossa Nova” Alan Berlin.
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Movies with a character with a brain tumor
Turkish Delight (1973)
Death Be Not Proud (1975)
Seizure: The Story of Kathy Morris (1980)
Phenomenon (1996)
The Miracle of the Cards (2001)
Walk Away and I Stumble (2005)
Last Holliday (2006)
Falling Overnight (2011)
Hoovey (2015)
Meet My Valentine (2015)
The Hollars (2016)
US TV shows with a character with brain tumor or cancer
The Big C
Bones: Season 5
Breaking Bad
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 5
Dynasty: Season 9
Elementary: Season 5
ER: Season 8
Eli Stone: Season 1
Grey’s Anatomy: Season 14
House
The Librarians
Ray Donovan: Season 5
UK TV shows with a character with brain tumor or cancer
Coronation Street: character Rita
East Enders: character Steven lies about tumor
Emmerdale: character Brenda
Redwater: character Alfie Moon
Wire in the Blood: series 3
Movies with other cancers
Miss You Already (2015)
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Now Is Good (2012)
Love Is All You Need (2012)
50/50 (2011)
The Heart of Christmas (2011)
Restless (2011)
Endings (2010)
Ways to Live Forever (2010)
Love and Other Drugs (2010)
Hopeful Notes (2010)
Johnny (2010)
Letters to God (2010)
Oscar and the Lady in Pink (2009)
Bright Star (2009)
My Sister’s Keeper (2009)
Keith (2008)
PS I Love You (2007)
The Bucket List (2007)
The Fountain (2006)
My Life Without Me (2003)
Ice Bound (2003)
A Time for Dancing (2002)
Julie Walking Home (2002)
Two Against Time (2002)
A Walk to Remember (2002)
Brian’s Song (1971 & 2001)
Life as a House (2001)
Sweet November (2001)
The Medicine Show (2001)
Wit (2001)
Here on Earth (2000)
Stepmom (1998)
Marvin’s Room (1996)
My Life (1993)
Breaking the Rules (1992)
Dying Young (1991)
Who Will Love My Children (1983)
Terms of Endearment (1983)
Six Weeks (1982)
Love Story (1970)