Watch A Lion in the House

A Lion in the House is a deeply moving and emotionally gripping documentary film that brings together the experiences of five children - Justin, Adam, Alex, Jen and Al - and their families as they confront the daunting reality of childhood cancer. Produced and directed by Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert, the film began its journey as a five-hour-long series for PBS before being edited down to four hours for its final release.

The film is structured around the stories of the five children, their struggles, their triumphs and their hopes as they navigate the grueling landscape of chemotherapy, radiation and painful surgeries. Each child's story unfolds over a period of six years, from the time of diagnosis to either recovery or eventual loss, as the filmmakers follow the families through the ups and downs of this traumatic journey.

Justin Ashcraft is one of the central subjects of the film, and his story is one of unrelenting courage and resilience. Justin is diagnosed with leukemia at age seven, and his father, Dale, a construction worker, becomes his primary caregiver while his mother has to work to support the family. The film delves into the emotional toll that this takes on the family, as Dale struggles to balance his role as both caregiver and breadwinner, and Justin fights to maintain his buoyancy in the face of the pain and fear that cancer brings.

Adam Ashcraft, Justin's younger brother, is also diagnosed with leukemia a few years later. The film captures the strain that this puts on the Ashcraft family, as they struggle to keep both boys on track with their treatments while dealing with the financial and emotional challenges that come with having two children with cancer. Adam's journey is particularly poignant, as he is too young to fully understand what is happening to him and why he is being subjected to such intense medical treatments.

Jen, another one of the children featured in the film, is diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Her story highlights the importance of having a strong support network during times of crisis, as her mother, Kari, becomes her tireless advocate and guide through the complexities of the medical system. Al, an aspiring actor, faces the added challenge of trying to pursue his dreams while undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Alex, the fifth child in the film, is diagnosed with brain cancer at age seven. His story is one of medical miracles and heartbreak, as his family rallies around him and his doctors attempt to find a cure for his rare form of cancer.

One of the most striking things about A Lion in the House is its unflinching portrayal of the realities of childhood cancer. The film lays bare the pain and suffering that these children and their families have to endure, but it also shines a light on the bravery, resilience and determination that are required to confront this often fatal illness. The filmmakers do not shy away from the difficult questions - why do children get cancer, what is the best way to treat it, what happens when treatments fail - but they also recognize the moments of joy and hope that can arise in the midst of such darkness.

As much as it is a story of childhood cancer, A Lion in the House is also a story of the human spirit. It is a testament to the power of love, family, community and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Ultimately, the film is a call for greater awareness, compassion and support for families dealing with childhood cancer, as well as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the children who fight it every day.

A Lion in the House is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between June 21, 2006 and on PBS