Rare diseases affect 30 million people living in the United States. This equates to one in 10 Americans, or 10 percent of the U.S. population. Yet people living with rare diseases like myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a group of rare, chronic blood cancers, are often overlooked and can face challenges due to a lack of awareness and understanding of their condition.
A new short film, “The Unknown,” directed by Academy Award® winning filmmaker in the documentary short subject category Cynthia Wade, shines a light on the challenges people living with MPNs face, and the dramatic impact these rare blood cancers can have on the lives of patients, their family, friends and caregivers. This film is part of a short documentary series directed by Wade.
This captivating short-form film tells the story of Nick Napolitano, a father of two whose life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with polycythemia vera (PV) – a type of MPN – during a routine physical. In an instant, Nick faces life with an incurable disease and a future that is uncertain. The film reveals the burning questions on his mind as he processes his new reality and tries to protect his family from the burden of his diagnosis.
On Tuesday, August 28, Nick will be joined by Sara Goldberger, the Senior Director of Program at Cancer Support Community, to bring national attention to MPNs and inspire those impacted – patients and caregivers alike – to be their own health advocates.
With Blood Cancer Awareness Month approaching in September, it is a particularly important time to shine a light on blood cancers like MPNs, which can have a significant impact on the lives of patients and their caregivers. Visit www.VoicesofMPN.com
