Told with breathtaking honesty, and starring Helen Hunt, Aaron Paul and Bradley Whitford, “Decoding Annie Parker” will receive an exclusive Phoenix-area screening on Saturday, October 22, 2016, at 6:30 pm. The event location is Venue 8600, 8600 E. Anderson Dr., Scottsdale, AZ.
Besides the movie screening, the evening will also include a humorous look at cancer, presented by the survivor duo, the Alive and Kickin’ Sisters, and a meet and greet with Annie Parker. The first 100 tickets purchased will also include a copy of Annie’s autobiography, Annie Parker Decoded, which she’ll be signing at the post-movie reception.
When Annie Parker was 13, her mother died of breast cancer. Fifteen years later, her sister died of breast cancer. Then Annie, too, was diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by two more cancers. Annie was convinced there must be a family link. Meanwhile, a continent away, geneticist Dr. Mary Claire King was researching the very same belief, which lead to the 1992 discovery of the “breast cancer gene mutation,” now known as BRCA. The BRCA1 gene mutation is known to cause breast and ovarian cancer in some individuals.
“This movie is especially significant to me,” said Judy Pearson, founder of A2ndAct.org. “This year marks the fifth anniversary of my Triple Negative Breast Cancer diagnosis. We’re all bombarded with so much information about BRCA, it’s a pleasure to bring the real story – and my friend and sister survivor, Annie Parker – to the Valley.”
This movie event is being generously underwritten by Ambry Genetics.
“Cancer can run in families, and knowing about your family history of cancer can help predict your future risks,” said Ambry Genetics’ director of Genetic Specialists Laura Panos Smith, MS, CGC. “We are honored to be a part of this film and the message of empowering people to be an advocate for understanding their cancer risks for themselves and their families.”
Also partnering in the event are Scottsdale Medical Imaging and the American Cancer Society.
According to the American Cancer Society (the funder of Dr. King’s BRCA research and a partner in this event), nearly 5,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Arizona in 2016. The two most prevalent risk factors are aging and being a woman, neither of which are preventable. However, genetic counseling is one way women educate themselves about additional risks for the disease.
“Creating a 2nd Act after cancer means using your gifts of time and experience to help others,” Pearson said. “Annie has certainly done that by advocating for genetic counseling. Being able to present the Phoenix area, and Arizona at large, a movie that’s not only educational, but humorous and inspirational is pure joy. It’s guaranteed the audience will leave this event on truly entertained.”
Tickets for this movie event are $22 and limited. They are available at www.A2ndAct.org/Decoding.
All proceeds will benefit the programs of A2ndAct.org.
