Press Release
For more information:
FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered
866-288-7475 x707
karenk@facingourrisk.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORCE to Host Exclusive Screening of Feature Film in Los Angeles
Screening Just Prior to National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week
Los Angeles, CA (August 28, 2013) – Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), is proud to
announce the exclusive premiere of the feature film Decoding Annie Parker. Forming a unique
collaboration, FORCE, the only non-profit organization devoted to helping those affected by hereditary
breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), as well as their families, is bringing this major motion picture to five
cities across the United States, including Los Angeles on September 17, 2013. The event falls just before
National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week which was established to create awareness and
recognize those affected by ovarian cancer.
WHAT:
Los Angeles premiere of Decoding Annie Parker, a film starring Helen
Hunt, Samantha Morton, Aaron Paul, Bradley Whitfield, and Rashida Jones
WHEN:
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 7 PM
WHERE:
DGA Theater, 7920 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90046
TICKETS:
Available at http://daplosangeles.eventbrite.com/
Decoding Annie Parker tells the true story of two remarkable women, Dr. Mary Claire King and Annie
Parker, each touched by hereditary breast cancer in her own way: Ms. Parker battles the disease and Dr.
King’s genetic research leads to the discovery of the BRCA1 breast cancer gene.
Dr. King’s discovery changed the way many in the medical community approached breast cancer and
provided solace to families who, generation after generation, lost their mothers, wives and daughters to
the disease. Compared with people in the general population, individuals with a BRCA mutation and
those with a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancers face many challenges, such as much
higher likelihood of being diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, being diagnosed at a younger age,
developing cancer more quickly and in more aggressive forms, and having a 50% chance of passing on a
BRCA mutation to a child.
“With the screening of this feature film here in Los Angeles, especially since it falls during National
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and just prior to National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week,
there is a tremendous opportunity to educate people about the importance of knowing their family medical
history and speaking to a genetics expert if a pattern of cancer presents itself,” said Joi Morris, a FORCE
Outreach Coordinator.
Steven Bernstein, director of the film added, “We’ve created a unique partnership between the
entertainment industry and charitable organizations. Through this partnership, we hope to entertain,
inform, educate and activate our audience, creating a campaign of goodwill and hope that will leave a
lasting legacy.”
The film presentation is sponsored by our National sponsor: The Lillian Byer HBOC Fund, our VIP
sponsors: The Allergan Foundation, Atossa Genetics, Basser Research Center for BRCA, The Brocade
Study and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, our Presenting sponsors: The Cole Family, C Spot
Run Productions, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Sisco Berluti, and our Supporting
sponsors: Ambry Genetics, Carey Cullinane, MD, Ora Karp Gordon, MD, GOOD GRACIOUS! Events,
JCMCC Photographers, Los Robles Hospital and Santa Monica Fertility.
About FORCE
No one should have to face hereditary breast and ovarian cancer alone. For more than 15 years, FORCE
has been the voice of the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer community. FORCE provides support,
education and awareness to help those facing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer know their healthcare
options and make informed decisions. The organization is the de facto leader in guiding critical research
and policy issues that impact the hereditary breast cancer and ovarian cancer community. For more
information about FORCE and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, please visit www.facingourrisk.org.