In an effort to bring awareness to and support for the Breast Cancer Community, FCRE is supporting a powerful new film on breast cancer and advocacy for national release. Directed by filmmaker Scott Mactavish at Manic Studios, Summer Running is a documentary that traces the parallel stories of two women and their triumphs over adversity.

Summer's story is juxtaposed with that of breast cancer survivor Christa Slotboom, a 34 year-old mother of three with Stage 4 breast cancer, who is receiving her final radiation treatments. The two stories weave together to create a remarkable dramatic tension that strikes an emotional chord in both those who have little experience with breast cancer and those whose lives breast cancer has irrevocably touched. The film sheds light on this common disease and those dedicated to finding a cure.

The story picks up a month before the Charlottesville Women's Four Miler, an annual event held in September in Charlottesville, Virginia as a fundraiser for breast cancer research. Summer has begun training and struggles each step due to the disabling pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, a malady from which she has suffered since her teens. She works hard at her training and still manages to juggle her roles as mother, wife and community volunteer.

Simultaneously, the story of Christa's battle against the breast cancer is chronicled from diagnosis through chemo, double mastectomy, and radiation treatment. We witness her treatment firsthand and follow her through her daily struggles with her family and health.

The stories are threaded together metaphorically and through them we learn of the importance of breast cancer research and the ongoing quest for a cure. In addition to their profound narratives, we learn the fascinating history of cancer and its treatment through stock footage, interviews and testimonials from doctors, researchers, patients and survivors.

The filmmakers and FCRE intend to accomplish several goals with this project:

• Hold world premiere gala events to raise money for breast cancer research.
• Attest to the world the importance of medical research and show advances made in the fight against cancer.
• Demonstrate the importance of grassroots fundraising events such as road races.
• Encourage people globally to engage in healthier lifestyles through exercise