The American Cancer Society has teamed up with Hilary Swank on a new short film to inspire women nationwide to make their own health a priority and take everyday steps to help prevent cancer.
Swank is executive producer of the film alongside Molly Mickler Smith of 2S Films and Go Go Luckey Entertainment, and the film is directed by Tina Gazzerro of Go Go Luckey Entertainment. The film helps mark the first anniversary of Choose You, a nationwide movement created by the American Cancer Society to raise awareness that 1 in 3 women will get cancer in her lifetime and the actions women can take today to help change that statistic. More than half of cancer deaths could be prevented if people maintained a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise, avoided tobacco products and got recommended cancer screening tests.
“Choose You” the documentary tells the powerful and emotional stories of three women on their journey to put their personal health first despite many challenges such as family situations, busy schedules, and other roadblocks that often get in the way of a woman’s personal health priorities. The three women featured in the documentary include:
- A busy business executive and mother of two boys who chooses herself by following her doctor’s recommendation to finally undergo an important cancer screening test based on her family history;
- A cancer-survivor who strives to be a role model for her young daughters by living an active and healthy lifestyle;
- A single woman working toward being more physically active as she recovers from cancer and searches for her “Mr. Right.”
"I am so proud to partner with the American Cancer Society on this film because cancer is an issue that has impacted nearly every woman in some way, yet many of us don’t realize that we each have the power to help prevent cancer," said Swank, award-winning actress and executive producer of the Choose You documentary. “My hope is that every woman who watches this film will not only begin to take steps to make her own health a priority, but will also share the message with friends and loved ones because together we can hopefully change the odds.”
The documentary will be released online for women everywhere on June 23, 2011, at ChooseYou.com. Women can join the movement and receive an invitation to the online premiere by registering at ChooseYou.com or by “liking” Choose You on Facebook.
How Does Choose You Work?
Women who visit ChooseYou.com can join the movement by making a Choose You Commitment, an online pledge in one of five different health categories: eat right; get active; get recommended health screenings; protect your skin; and quit smoking.
Under these categories, women can commit to a personal health goal. Participants are encouraged to ask family and friends to support them on their journey to wellness. For added incentive, women also can choose to make a monetary pledge when they sign a Choose You Commitment. Visitors to ChooseYou.com have access to online support and tools, such as a calorie calculator, virtual dietitian, nutrition and activity quiz, smoking cost calculator, prevention and early detection videos, and a desktop helper with daily health tips.
“With the constant struggle between family, work and self, we know how difficult it is for women to focus on their own health. However, women must make their personal health a priority to help reduce their cancer risk,” said Terry Music, chief mission delivery officer at the American Cancer Society. “After viewing this film, we hope women are inspired to improve their personal health habits and recognize that it is possible to put your health first.”
