After losing both her mother and sister to cancer, Anne Parker innately believed that there was a hereditary link in certain cancers and that one day, she would get cancer too. Doctors told Anne it was “just bad luck” but she refused to believe them. In 1980, Anne developed breast cancer and had a mastectomy; she went on to endure two more battles with cancer.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mary-Claire King, a geneticist at the University of California, Berkeley, was researching the genetic roots of the disease, and discovered the gene that is responsible for many breast and ovarian cancers: BRCA1. Her discovery was revolutionary, and we now know that as many as 5 to 10% of all breast cancers may be hereditary.
In 1994, Toronto’s Anne Parker became one of the first Canadians to be tested for the BRCA1 gene mutation. Her results were positive for the deadly gene. Annie’s story and that of Dr. Mary-Claire King, inspired Hollywood film-maker Steve Bernstein to write and direct the feature film, Decoding Annie Parker, a multi-award-winning film starring Samantha Morton, Helen Hunt and Aaron Paul.
Anne continues to spread her story to audiences across North America as a a keynote speaker at various conferences, seminars and events. She has gained respect from the medical community, patients, survivors and previvors with her brave story, sincere nature and powerful message of hope. In her book, Annie Parker Decoded, she tells her story using facts, hard truths and humour. It has served as a coping mechanism for many BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation hereditary cancer families and continues to inspire women and men worldwide.
Watch “Decoding Annie Parker” trailer here!
Annie Parker as Key Note Speaker
- A Cure in Our Lifetime – Atlantic Chapter, Atlanta, Georgia
- The Lady Ball – Ovarian Cancer Canada, Toronto, Ontario
- Susan G. Komen – Pink Promise Conference- Kansas City, Kansas
- Rush University Medical Centre Symposium- Chicago, Illinois
- Tesaro Pharmaceutical AGM – Detroit, Michigan
- Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Issues Conference – Portland, Oregon.
- Susan G. Komen Northwest Ohio Power of the Promise – Toledo, Ohio
- Ovarian Cancer Workshop – Astra Zeneca, Toronto, Ontario
- The Pink Ribbon Golf Classic Luncheon – Baptist Medical Center, Jacksonville, Florida
- A Day with Annie Parker – Beaumont Cancer Clinic and James Grosfeld Cancer Genetic Center, Royal Oaks, Michigan
- Tribute Dinner – Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana
- Breast Health Summit – Houston, Texas
- 3rd Annual Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Symposium- Overlook and Morristown Medical Centres, New Jersey
- Pink Power Night – McGlinn Cancer Institute/Reading Hospital @ Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks – Reading, Pennsylvania.
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre – An Evening for BRCA Carriers
- San Antonio Book Luncheon – Fundraiser for the Arizona Oncology Foundation