Southeast Premiere of The Breast Cancer Diaries

The Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center will host free film screenings for the Southeast Premiere of The Breast Cancer Diaries, a critically acclaimed documentary of one woman’s cancer journey, on Saturday, October 13 at the Science Museum of Virginia.

The “Screening for a Screening” event will take place at 10am, noon, and 2pm at the museum’s Eureka Theatre. Massey’s breast health experts and other community partners will host a health fair in the foyer between screenings, giving community members an opportunity to learn about the latest in breast cancer research, treatment and support services.

In addition, the film’s producer and subject will be on hand following the 10 and noon showings to answer questions.

“There’s no better way to generate awareness than to offer people an intimate, armchair journey of breast cancer’s effect on a family,” said Harry D. Bear, MD, PhD, director of Massey’s Breast Health Center. “This film is a gift to our community. It’s unscripted, unfiltered and features a woman that so many of us can relate to – a wife, mother, sister, daughter and colleague,” said Bear.

Breast Cancer Diaries Producer Linda Pattillo is a former producer for WTVR (Channel 6) in Richmond, whose career took her to ABC News and CNN, where she has covered wars across the globe. In The Breast Cancer Diaries, she chronicles the poignant and uplifting journey of 38-year-old Anne Murray-Paige, a broadcast journalist-turned-stay-at-home mom, from the week before Murray-Paige’s double mastectomy through her chemo and radiation.

Rather than write in a diary, Murray-Paige keeps a video camera in her bedroom, recording her thoughts on the many challenges she faces. In addition, Pattillo’s camera follows Murray-Paige throughout the nine-month ordeal, giving insight to the fears, joys and love that she and her family experience.

The film has won rave reviews and awards at national and international film festivals. To preview the film, click here. [Editor’s Note: This film is recommended for teenagers and adults and is not suitable for younger children.]

Also premiering is The Richmond Diaries, a 10-minute short film produced by Massey featuring a mosaic of Richmond-area cancer survivors and caretakers who have had a similar journey. The Richmond Diaries will precede the 70-minute documentary.

The VCU Massey Cancer Center is one of 63 National Cancer Institute-designated institutions that leads and shapes America’s cancer research efforts. Working with all kinds of cancers, the Center conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials and promotes cancer prevention and education. Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers more clinical trials than any other institution in Virginia, serving patients in Richmond and in four satellite locations. Its 1,100 researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and, ultimately, to cure cancer. Visit Massey online at www.massey.vcu.edu or call 1-877-4-MASSEY.

For information about the event, call 804-827-9486.