Patient-Expert Interview Day #1: Northern California
During and after her breast cancer treatment in 2007, Susan Giacomini had been talking about the amazing social support she received for years. (“It was a master class in kindness!”) As treatment wound down, she was frequently approached by friends, family and acquaintances: Someone they love was just diagnosed with breast cancer. “How can I help her?” Later, she read about a study about the power of social support for breast cancer patients, by Candyce Kroenke, ScD, of Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, “Social networks, social support mechanisms, and quality of life after breast cancer diagnosis.”
After more research an idea emerged: The best way to learn how to help a breast cancer patient is from breast cancer survivors. Susan’s husband, cinematographer Mark Allan, created a studio in their living room. Susan interviewed three local friends and was interviewed herself. With the help of Roger Krakow and Rough House Editorial in San Francisco, and Stef Allan in Memphis, they produced an introductory video for the Good Medicine Project.
We are very grateful to the women who agreed to take part in the experiment!
The Good Medicine Project learned about the social support and breast cancer journeys of four breast cancer survivors in Northern California. Meet them and learn about how they received their diagnosis.
Ginny
Kim
Spring
Therese
Thank YOU for your help!
Our production in Northern California cost less than 20% of commercial costs, thanks to the volunteer work of the crew and generous donations of those who believe in the power of social support. Please support future production days around the USA. Thank you!