An Interview with the Annie Parker Foundation

Note: This post is an interview with Annie Parker, President and founder of the Annie Parker Foundation. Annie has been interviewed in multiple publications about her cancer experience, including Forbes magazine, Entertainment Weekly, and others. Since her diagnosis in 1980, she has been a fierce advocate for cancer awareness and advocacy and is a frequently sought public speaker on cancer-related issues.

How was the concept for the Annie Parker Foundation born?

Since 2014, I’ve been travelling across North America telling my hereditary breast cancer story, and touching the lives of thousands through my film, Decoding Annie Parker, and my memoir, Annie Parker Decoded. I have been amazed by how many people were affected. After years of receiving so many emails from individuals thanking me for being an inspiration, they inspired me to do more in turn. And I felt the most meaningful way to accomplish this was through a foundation that offers education and support.

What is the purpose and mission of the Annie Parker Foundation?

The Annie Parker Foundation will support people through their cancer journey. The mission of the Foundation is to inform, support, and inspire people who are at risk of, or suffering from, hereditary cancers.

The Annie Parker Foundation recently obtained non-profit status from the Canadian government. What does this mean for the organization?

Aside from now being able to host events to raise awareness, having status helps us garner more partnerships. This, in turn, helps make my voice louder and allows it to touch more people, and hopefully, the Foundation will continue to reach people long after I am gone.

What can I do to monitor my cancer status and genetic health?

To monitor your cancer status, continue to do self examinations when possible, and keep your doctor appointments. With the discovery of the BRCA gene mutation by Dr. Mary-Claire King back in the mid-nineties, we can find out about our genetic susceptibility through genetic testing. Genetic counselors are trained health professionals educated in providing individuals and families with not only information on genetic testing, but support in determining if testing is appropriate for you and your family.

What other organizations does the Annie Parker Foundation work with?

We have a confirmed partnership with A 2nd Act in Phoenix, Arizona and are currently considering offers from other organizations. We continue to actively seek out partnerships that will help us meet our mandate.

What resources does the Foundation recommend?

Luckily, resources are plentiful, now more than ever. When I was going through my first cancer journey in 1988, I had nowhere to turn. Now there are books, experts, support groups, etc. If you are looking for websites, Facingourrisk.org, basser.org, and rethinkbreastcancer.com are all great places to start. While the type of resources you need depends on one’s particular case, educating yourself by any means possible will give you the control you want to make the decisions you need. Even social media has space for advocacy and education. There are many groups and pages which offer support from those with lived experience, and I find that those offer the best kind of comfort and understanding.

How can I learn more about the Foundation?

Visit my facebook page for all the latest, including the launch of our new website and inaugural event!