The Chemo Ate My Homework
Craig Leake

“When they get to the hospital one of the first things they ask me is, Am I going to be behind in school? Will I fail this year? ...A lot of times, even during the worst effects of radiation and chemotherapy, they still want to have school.”

— Dennis Medford, teacher

Kids with cancer are kids first. In between their surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, they want and need to continue with the things that make up their ordinary lives. At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee, a brave, dedicated, and exceptionally skilled corps of teachers help to give young patients a measure of normalcy amidst the pain and fear that goes with their illnesses.

This remarkable documentary follows the teachers’ struggles to help the kids remain engaged with their studies until they are well enough to return home to their own schools. But not all the kids make it, and teachers must develop the emotional strength to cope with their grief and carry on with those who do. The film also introduces us to some wonderfully eloquent young people:

“Education is a huge part of your life...There are so many things out there that we still wonder about...it sometimes gets real hard, but I still keep on trying.” “You realize that you don’t have time for all that mess. The students here, the reason why they seem so above average is because they realize how precious time is.”

— Tim Sheets and Savannah Sharp, students

27 minutes
© 2006
Purchase $229 DVD
Order No. QA-485
ISBN (DVD) 1-57295-938-X

Awards & Conference Screenings
Emmy Award Winner
Best Documentary and Best Director
CINE Special Jury Award
Best Independent Documentary Short
Nashville Film Festival
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
Finalist, Freddie Awards

Related Films
Surrounded by Waves: A global exploration of the health impacts of electromagnetic waves in our wireless technology.

Look For Me Here: The final days in the life of a woman with metastatic cancer, who has chosen to forego further treatment, and to face death with friends and hospice care at home.

One in Eight: Janice was 33 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. This is an irreverent and highly personal look at one woman's fight with a disease that affects one in eight women.

At My Mother's Breast: The filmmaker's mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all had breast cancer; she grew up knowing that she might be next. An extraordinary portrait of a family of brave, strong women finding unity in facing a terrifying and tragic genetic legacy.

Sickle Cell Disease: The children and young people seen in this moving documentary appear healthy, yet they live with the daily threat of excruciating pain and hospitalization. This program examines the devastating impact of sickle cell disease on these young people and their families and caregivers.

The Andre Show: The filmmaker and her adopted son, who was born with HIV, share the story of their extraordinary friendship, and of the challenges of Andre's short yet intense life.

To rent or purchase this film, please visit the Icarus Films website

HOME  ||  TITLE INDEX  ||  SUBJECT AREAS  ||  RESOURCES  ||  RETURN TO TOP
CONTACT FANLIGHT  ||  FAQ