'Love Danielle' film explores BRCA gene mutation impact

LOVE, DANIELLE out in North America!

Hi! I've been so busy traveling and promoting LOVE, DANIELLE on social media, that I just realized I forgot to post the film release here on my blog!        

“With LOVE, DANIELLE, we set out to tell a gripping, relatable story that not only entertains but enlightens,” said Amy Byer Shainman, Producer and BRCA Responder. “We hope it sparks conversation, encourages viewers to ask the right questions about their own health, and reminds people that being proactive can be powerful, even life-saving.” 

Read full press release HERE 

LOVE, DANIELLE now available in North America on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and other major platforms

WATCH THE OFFICIAL MOVIE TRAILER

September 16

Image from my memoir 

Resurrection Lily: The BRCA Gene, Hereditary Cancer & Lifesaving Whispers from the Grandmother I Never Knew.

Today I reflect on how lucky I am

I have access to great medical care.

I have a personality that is curious, researches, and demands 2nd and 3rd opinions.

I have intuition from Lillian, my grandmother I never knew.

I have knowledge from my sister Jan and my friend Kristin.

Knowledge that was instrumental in saving my life.

Knowledge I received only because of their cancer diagnoses and pain.

It's been 27 years today since I had potentially fatal fat and tissue removed from my brain; a brain tumor.

17 years since I had potentially fatal fat and tissue removed from my chest; my breast tissue.

17 years since I had all of my reproductive organs removed from body.

The potentially fat and tissue has been replaced with deep gratitude.

To mark September 16th every year, I get myself something 100% unnecessary and extravagant; just to remind myself,

I'm worth it.

This year, I can't do it.

As an advocate in the hereditary cancer space for 15 + years, I have a non-medical lump in my throat from a runway show. Yes, a runway show at New York Fashion Week.

I attended the AnaOno/Cancer Culture Show at NYFW and watched women with metastatic breast cancer fiercely walk the runway.

Some of them very young.

Since the show, I've felt two things: relief and being shaken to my core.

My good fortune is not lost on me.

▪️Metastatic breast cancer will at some point, cause their death.

▪️Only 2% of funding goes to MBC.

▪️116 women die everyday from metastatic breast cancer.

▪️Approximately 30% of breast cancer patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will go on to develop metastatic breast cancer (stage 4).

I'm thinking of these women, their day to day life, their medications, side effects, their families; thinking of friends who are now metastatic.

This year my extravagant gift goes to them via Cancer Culture funding to MBCure.

They are all 100% necessary and worth it.

Love, Danielle: BRCA Previvor Decision-Making [Podcast]

After receiving a positive genetic test result comes the hardest part: decision-making. On All Access DNA Podcast with Kate Wilson, Devin Sidell and I discuss why we made LOVE, DANIELLE, life after risk-reducing surgeries, and the power of storytelling. LISTEN HERE!

Support Genetic Counselors — Clinicians, You Can Help

 

Unrecognized and Undervalued: Why Is Medicare Ignoring Genetic Counselors?

Help improve access to this critical form of care! Urge your organizations to sign this support letter: 

https://www.nsgc.org/POLICY/Federal-Advocacy/Bill-Letter-Signature. 

Thank you! xo- Amy

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A post shared by Amy Byer Shainman (@brcaresponder)

Breaking Barriers: Men's Health and Male Breast Cancer

Waiting room scene from Love, Danielle featuring Devin Sidell and Raymond Cruz

Men's Health Week begins today (June 9) and runs until June 15, 2025. Now is a great time to motivate yourself or the men you care about to prioritize regular checkups, understand their risk factors, and adopt or maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

One of my favorite scenes in "Love, Danielle" features Stan, a male BRCA gene mutation carrier, portrayed by the talented Raymond Cruz. This character stands in stark contrast to Cruz's well-known role as Tuco in "Breaking Bad."

The film shifts the conversation about men's health and male breast cancer, working to reduce the stigma associated with these topics. The character Stan challenges traditional ideas of masculinity and encourages open discussions about men's health screenings. By presenting Stan as a relatable figure, the film humanizes the experience of male breast cancer and emphasizes that breast cancer affects men as well.

To learn more about male breast cancer and the implications of BRCA and hereditary cancer in men by visiting HIS Breast Cancer Awareness.

Love, Danielle is currently playing film festivals across the country. 
Click here for a list of upcoming screenings.