FORCE to Host Exclusive Screening of Feature Film in Chicago

CHICAGO - July 9, 2013 - PRLog -- Chicago, IL (July 9, 2013) – Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) is proud to host the Chicago premiere of the feature film Decoding Annie Parker. FORCE, the only non-profit organization devoted to helping those affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), is hosting screenings of this major motion picture in five cities across the United States, beginning in Chicago on July 25, 2013.

WHAT:          Chicago premiere of Decoding
         Annie Parker, a film starring
         Helen Hunt, Samantha Morton,
         Bradley Whitfield, and Rashida Jones

WHEN:          Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 7 PM

WHERE:         Muvico Theater, 9701 Bryn Mawr Ave Rosemont, IL

TICKETS:       Available at http://dapchicago.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.

“The screening of this feature film in Chicago is a tremendous opportunity to educate people about the importance of knowing family medical history and speaking to a genetics expert if a pattern of cancer presents itself,” said Heather Fineman, 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 also sponsored by NorthShore University HealthSystem. NorthShore, headquartered in Evanston, IL, is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore’s Kellogg Cancer Center is a cancer treatment center offering comprehensive, compassionate cancer care and treatments for oncology patients and their families at three locations.

Director Steven Berstein and Annie Parker are available for interviews. Please contact Erin Del Signore at 202.674.4957 or erin.delsignore@kglobal.com to schedule a time to speak to them.

About FORCE

No one should have to face hereditary breast and ovarian cancer alone.  For more than 14 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.