Come to a red-carpet screening of “Decoding Annie Parker,” and help support hereditary breast and ovarian cancer research.
What: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), Annie Parker and director Steve Bernstein are hosting the “Decoding Annie Parker” event in Chicago to educate about the importance of knowing your family medical history and speaking to a medical genetics expert if a pattern of cancer presents itself.
“Decoding Annie Parker” is a feature film starring Samantha Morton and Helen Hunt that is set to officially release in fall 2013. The film centers around the discovery of the BRCA1 gene and its link to breast cancer.
Where: Muvico Theater, 9701 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont
When: Thursday, July 25, 7 p.m.
How: Buy your tickets or donate to FORCE here.
The organization: FORCE has been a national leader in guiding critical research and policy issues that impact the hereditary breast cancer and ovarian cancer community. For the past 14 years, the organization has provided support, education and awareness to help those facing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer know their healthcare options and make informed decisions.
Heather Fineman started the Chicago chapter 6 years ago after her mother died from ovarian cancer and she learned that she had a BRCA mutation herself.
“I was overwhelmed and wanted to talk and see others who had been in my same position, but there was nothing local,” Fineman says. “I was very determined to ensure I would be here for my family and knew there must be others in Chicago who felt similarly. Today there are 7 coordinators and over 500 members. No woman or family has to go through this alone anymore.”
Photo: Chicago FORCE Coordinators with Executive Director and Founder Sue Friedman
