Desperate Choices: To Save My Child
Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Cassie Robbins is a spirited teenage girl, who loves her father Richard and stepmother Mel and dotes on her six-year-old half-brother Willy. But her carefree, happy life is forever changed when she is diagnosed with leukeamia and her only hope of a cure lies in a bone-marrow transplant. However, when Willy proves to be a match, Mel is not-so-willing to allow her young son to undergo surgery as he nearly died the last time he was operated on after reacting badly to the anaesthetic. Mel and Richard now have to decide if it right to risk the life of one of their children to save the life of the other child. And of Willy's own rights in deciding if he should help the sister he hero-worships...?
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Joanna Kerns
Mel Robbins
Bruce Davison
Richard Robbins
Joseph Mazzello
Willy Robbins
Jeremy Sisto
Josh Ryan
Bruce McGill
Dan Ryan
Steven Gilborn
Dr. Andrews
Rondi Reed
Dr. Brunell
Ron Canada
Reese Witherspoon
Cassie Robbins
J.D. Hall
Coach Watson
Phillip C. Curry
Judge Bloom
William Newman
Dr. Edwards
Debby Shively
Angela Vincente
Larry Brandenburg
Ed Foster
Shaun Duke
Benny
Mary Kohnert
Mrs. Hefner
Huck Liggett
Danny
Bryan Anthony
Tough Kid
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 5, 1992
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Andy Tennant
- Screenplay & Story
- Maggie Kleinman, Sandra Jennings
- Original Score
- John M. Keane
- Original Title
- Desperate Choices: To Save My Child
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Andy Tennant
Maggie Kleinman, Sandra Jennings
John M. Keane
Peter Stein
Debra Neil-Fisher
Andrew Adelson
Department Leadership Roster
Andy Tennant
Director
John M. Keane
Original Music Composer
Debra McGuire
Costume Design
Debra Neil-Fisher
Editor
Chester Kaczenski
Production Design
Peter Stein
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Desperate Choices: To Save My Child.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Desperate Choices: To Save My Child.
list7
Reese Witherspoon Portfolio - Movies
Curated master portfolio of movies starring Reese Witherspoon Portfolio - Movies. Updated frequently. Last updated September 26, 2026.
Reese Witherspoon Movies Portfolio
Curated master portfolio of movies starring Reese Witherspoon. Sorted by Popularity. Updated frequently.
Reese Witherspoon
More Like Desperate Choices: To Save My Child
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Desperate Choices: To Save My Child
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Desperate Choices: To Save My Child about?
Sixteen-year-old Cassie Robbins is a spirited teenage girl, who loves her father Richard and stepmother Mel and dotes on her six-year-old half-brother Willy. But her carefree, happy life is forever changed when she is diagnosed with leukeamia and her only hope of a cure lies in a bone-marrow transplant. However, when Willy proves to be a match, Mel is not-so-willing to allow her young son to undergo surgery as he nearly died the last time he was operated on after reacting badly to the anaesthetic. Mel and Richard now have to decide if it right to risk the life of one of their children to save the life of the other child. And of Willy's own rights in deciding if he should help the sister he hero-worships...?
Who directed Desperate Choices: To Save My Child?
Desperate Choices: To Save My Child was directed by Andy Tennant.
Who stars in Desperate Choices: To Save My Child?
The principal cast of Desperate Choices: To Save My Child includes Joanna Kerns, Bruce Davison, Joseph Mazzello, Jeremy Sisto, Bruce McGill.
When was Desperate Choices: To Save My Child released and how long is it?
Desperate Choices: To Save My Child was released in 1992 with a total runtime of 1h 40m.
Who composed the musical score for Desperate Choices: To Save My Child?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Desperate Choices: To Save My Child was composed by John M. Keane.