Fresh off of Memorial Day, there is no better documentary to watch right now than HBO’s John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls.
The Arizona senator announced last July that he has been diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive brain tumor.
Glioblastoma is a rare type of astrocytoma, a cancer that forms in the brain from star-shaped astrocyte cells. While this cancer usually begins in the cerebrum in adults, glioblastoma tumors are capable of making their own blood supply, which helps them grow. Thus, they are usually highly malignant (cancerous).
The median life expectancy for someone diagnosed with glioblastoma is 15-16 months.
The documentary covers so much of Senator McCain’s incredible and brave life – from his time as a POW in the Vietnam War to the many highs and lows of his political career – but there is special attention to the brave fight he’s now in against glioblastoma.
“These doctors keep talking to me about people, if you tell them the truth, then they give up and die…I keep saying to them, just tell me. Just tell me. That’s all I want to know… I talk to other doctor friends of mine and they say that’s not what most people want to hear. Why wouldn’t they want to hear? Why wouldn’t they want to spend a few more days here.”
It’s an incredible and piercing look into the soul of someone who knows that his time is very limited on this Earth. For those who have or know someone with a terminal illness, this surely will resonate even more.
And since May is Brain Cancer Awareness Month, check out the National Brain Tumor Society for opportunities to get involved and raise awareness, including participating in its Grey Nation Endurance – by selecting a race or endurance activity of your choice to celebrate a survivor, pay tribute to a family member or friend who battled a brain tumor, or make an overall difference in the fight against brain tumors.
This is a great fundraising event that can really make a difference in research for treatments and cure!
And John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls can be streamed on HBO.
