Love and Cancer at 27 | Being Mortal | FRONTLINE

Allen Chou was just 27 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. His girlfriend, Linda Sim, was 25. When his diagnosis got worse, they hoped for a miracle... and made a plan.

Produced by Carla Borras
Produced, Filmed and Edited by Michelle Mizner
Sound: Lu Olkowski
Music: John E. Low

Funding for FRONTLINE's YouTube channel is provided by the Knight Foundation. FRONTLINE is made possible by PBS and CPB. Major support is provided by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Park Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Wyncote Foundation and Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation.

[rnava]

A very heartfelt and personal video. I, myself, was diagnosed with brain cancer and it spread throughout my spine. Because of my fast acting oncologist, I survived by doing radiation and chemotherapy at the same time (with a bone marrow transplant shortly after). I am proud and blessed to say that I am still here with my wife who I also married while in treatment after they gave me 5 days to live. My profile icon is a picture of my first day back at work.

[lindasim]

Thanks everyone everyone for watching a piece of our story.. During this I was diagnosed with a tumor. That I didn't tell Frontline. I just kept it to myself. I wanted to be all about Allen. I was diagnosed with ossifying fibroma. luckily mine was benign to this day I'm still having surgery.It's a on going battle. In a few days.. my doctor and I are will be planning another surgery in a couple months. again thank you everyone for watching our story.I did this because I want everyone to know how a wonderful Allen is and to have an memory of him.

[marcfavell]

This made me want to hug my mom, death is part of life, life is way to short, tomorrow is not guaranteed!

[housedubs]

I watched this with tears in my eyes....what else can you say really?

[kevinmoore]

That’s so nice. Such a great story. I have brain cancer as well. I was diagnosed at 15 years old after vomiting on an almost daily basis, and having several other neurological symptoms. I had it initially surgically resected, then treated successfully with radiation when it recurred. I’m dealing with a third recurrence now, and I’m starting to feel the effects. Fatigue, nausea, easily getting sick, etc. this is a sad story to hear, but, I respect that man immensely, as well as his wife for helping her husband through a difficult time. Cancer is no fun for the patient, or for those close to the patient. Bless that woman.

[liliaminotta]

Linda! your awesome, I recently lost my boyfriend to terminal cancer ws well. I feel like we can relate in so many ways. Raul and i had also been together for six years this month would have made seven Years of him and I being together. Having cancer at 27 is hard. Its difficult watching somebody leave us after we have seen them grow throughout the years, hoping for a better and healthy future. You are a angel and thank you making your journey public because I've been looking everywhere for somebody who could relate to me and I found you. God bless you.

[preppy]

May Alan's memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

[PyroBear]

This is why you need to be thankful for every day.

[niningsetia]

God bless u, sir
Thanks Linda

Stay safe

[stephenfischer]

I was struck by how that same movie, "The Fault In Our Stars, " nailed it with regard to the cancer journey. Thanks to Allen and Linda for sharing their experience of deep love on that journey. I have felt the same things.

[letstalkabouttv]

Man she is young...i hope she finds peace and love again and her heart heals ❤

[baldwintheanchorite]

What a remarkably personal and deeply moving video. Linda, you encapsulate what's remarkable about the human spirit, your strength is incredible. Thank you to Frontline for bringing us along for the ride. It is a great privilege.

[suzannewoods]

Beautiful story. I am so sorry for your loss.  God bless you.

[ghost]

Thank you for sharing this with us. I can barely see the keys on my keyboard through my tears.

[chanelgez]

Devastating absolutely heartbreaking😪😪😪😪 my thoughts are with you.

[desicatz]

Linda, I'm sorry for your loss. People impact our lives everyday, good and bad. Your love was important to your development of self, and I hope you are happy and at peace these days.

[janetcousins]

Such a moving story. Wish the best for her in the years ahead

[giraffypeace]

there is no time that someone you love, be it be family or friend, needs you and want to feel your love, support, encouragement and assurance than when they are ailing and /or know they have limited time. if you find someone like that, keep them because such people are rare.

[tonisargent]

so sorry  about ur love of your life  its sad  when someone u love dies I know how u feel I lost my child

[yoursemexpert]

I had never had a partner die but man, I was crying for the most of this video. Like, ugly cry lol