Canadian Cancer Society x Lundin Cancer Fund - Annie’s Story

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of brain cancer — with less than a 5% survival rate after five years. This film marked the fourth year of my ongoing collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, and a powerful new partnership with the Lundin Cancer Fund to launch Canada’s largest glioblastoma research program.

We told the story of Annie, whose father passed away from the disease and whose brother is now living with it. She let us into her life, shared her memories, and showed us how she’s passing on the love she learned from her father to her own daughter, Jamie. The energy on set was so harmonious - there was even an impromptu djembe drum session on set with the family.

My role was to help shape the creative vision and ensure Annie’s voice came through clearly and honestly while maintaining CCS as a vital, yet unobtrusive character in the story. I’m proud of how we grounded the story in personal moments that felt real, not scripted — a ripple effect that reached well beyond the screen.

The film premiered at the CCS Daffodil Ball and helped raise over $10 million — the most ever raised at a cancer gala in Canada.