Exploring Hereditary Cancer and the Making of "Love, Danielle". In this conversation, Devon Sidell and Amy Byer Shaneman discuss their new film, 'Love, Danielle' which explores the emotional and physical challenges faced by individuals with BRCA gene mutations. They share their personal stories, the impact of preventative surgeries, and the importance of genetic testing. The film aims to raise awareness and provide support for those navigating hereditary cancer risks, while also addressing family dynamics and the emotional weight of such decisions. The discussion highlights the need for better resources and education surrounding genetic testing and cancer prevention.
Key Takeaways:
The film, Love, Danielle, portrays the emotional and physical challenges of previvors.
Post-surgery realities include ongoing medical check-ups and hormone changes
The film aims to entertain while educating about BRCA mutations.
Family dynamics play an important role in the decision-making process.
Genetic testing can be life-changing for families at risk.
Healthcare providers need to communicate sensitively about genetic results.
Love, Danielle is a pioneering narrative on hereditary cancer.
ABOUT DEVIN SIDELL (Instagram: @devin.sidell)
In 2017, after receiving a positive BRCA 1 gene mutation diagnosis, actress and activist Devin Sidell decided to undergo a preventative double mastectomy and preventative hysterectomy/oophorectomy earning her the label of “previvor,” someone who has a predisposition to developing cancer but has not yet been diagnosed. Sidell, is BRCA-1 positive and underwent a preventative oophorectomy/hysterectomy in November 2016 while her older sister was undergoing chemotherapy for Triple-Negative, Stage 2B breast cancer. Sidell’s mother survived Stage 3C ovarian cancer in 1994 as well as breast cancer in 2012. Her mother’s sister passed away from ovarian cancer in 1996. In December 2017, Sidell opted to undergo a preventative double-mastectomy. Since her diagnosis, Devin has become a spokesperson for women taking fate into their own hands and encouraging them to partake in genetic testing. She is also a co-writer, star and executive producer of the first scripted feature film about the decisions an individual who carries the BRCA gene mutation must face.
ABOUT AMY BYER SHAINMAN (Instagram: @brcaresponder)
Amy Byer Shainman, also known as BRCA Responder, is an advocate, author, and producer providing support and education surrounding BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes. She is the executive producer of the award-winning documentary Pink & Blue: Colors of Hereditary Cancer and the new feature film about the decisions one has to face when diagnosis with BRCA gene mutation, Love Danielle. Shainman is a BRCA1 gene mutation carrier and "previvor. In 2010, she had two prophylactic surgeries to reduce her cancer risk drastically: a nipple-sparing, skin-sparing mastectomy with reconstruction and oophorectomy with a hysterectomy. Cure Magazine, The Jewish Journal, and The Palm Beach Post have featured Shainman's story. She has also appeared on numerous live and taped television and radio segments nationwide. As a digital ambassador for the National Society of Genetic Counselors gene pool, Shainman is considered one of fifteen influencers who have unique perspectives and knowledge in the fields of genetics and genetic counseling. She is an administrator for the largest female-only BRCA support group on social media. Shainman has published articles in The American Journal of Managed Care, Jupiter Magazine, and Oncology Nursing News. Shainman's medical memoir Resurrection Lily: The BRCA Gene, Hereditary Cancer & Lifesaving Whispers from the Grandmother I Never Knew has won over a dozen literary awards and was the December 2020 book club selection of The National Library of Medicine
ABOUT LOVE, DANIELLE (Instagram: @lovedanielle.film)
When Danielle, a happily married thirty-something, tests positive for a
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