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Breast Cancer Diaries: The Play to Debut in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Finds the Unexpected Humor in Living with the Disease and Features a Cast of Breast Cancer “Tamers”

BREAST CANCER DIARIES: THE PLAY Written by Dr. Charley Ferrer; contributing author Debra Santulli-Barone; directed by Helene Montagna
October 5, 2019 (Staten Island) and October 22, 2019 (Manhattan) NEW YORK, NY (July 30, 2019)

Breast Cancer Diaries: The Play, a new dramedy to debut in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, finds the unexpected humor in the true-life events of women and men living with the disease. All but two cast members have been diagnosed with breast cancer – including the play’s writer and producer Dr. Charley Ferrer, founder of Cancer Tamer Foundation.

Breast Cancer Diaries: The Play premieres on Saturday, October 5, 2019 on Staten Island and Tuesday, October 22, 2019 in Manhattan. It features nine diverse skits, portraying the thoughts, fears, and unexpected laugh-inducing moments of living with the disease, such as having to expose one’s breasts to a group of doctors-in-training; receiving a diagnosis over the phone; and feeling like a zombie from treatment side effects. Recent press coverage for the play’s unique approach to breast cancer includes NY1 and SILive.

Cast Members (L to R): Debra Santulli-Barone, Dr. Charley Ferrer, Joan Galati, Barbara Scalici, Bryan Ponemon, and Terri Key

Breast Cancer Diaries: The Play is the first time women and men with breast cancer are brought together in a play and their struggles, triumphs and hopes for the future are addressed.

The entire cast, except for two members, have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The actors include a teacher, a sex therapist, a male fire marshal, a retired counselor, and a former transit worker.

The production is dedicated to the 40,920 women and 480 men who died last year due to breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

“My vision for Breast Cancer Diaries: The Play is to share the untold truths about this disease and what women and men really experience with a little bit of drama, inspiration and a whole lot of comedy,” says Dr. Ferrer. @CancerTamer

All cast members are available for interviews. They include:
Jennine Elkins (actor) – middle school teacher, @jennineelkins
Dr. Charley Ferrer (lead actor, author and producer) – Cancer Tamer Foundation founder, sex therapist, @CancerTamer
Laurel Fulcher (actor) – works with special needs kids, 5 years cancer-free, wrote a blog about her first year in treatment
Joan Galati (actor) – retired counselor, grandmother of five, native New Yorker, breast cancer advocate
Terri Key (actor) – retired transit worker
Bryan Ponemon* (actor) – fire marshal, honoring his friend, Sally Curtis, who died from breast cancer
Debra Santulli-Barone (lead actor and contributing author) – Brooklynite, anti-bully advocate, mom of two, ukulele player
Barbara Scalici* (actor) – works at a rehabilitation unit, supporting her friend and cast member Laurel Fulcher

*Individual has not been diagnosed with breast cancer

More info and cast pictures: @breastcancerdiariesplay

Breast Cancer Diaries: The Play is made possible (in part) by a DCA Premier Grant from Staten Island Arts with public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Other sponsors include Thrive Market, The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation, BCB Bank, Sofia’s Taqueria, Gina Marie Cake & Co., Passionate Woman Body Scrubs & HERO Oils, Think Happy Media, New App Car & Limo, Staten Island Law, and the Mid Island Rotary Club.

DATES & VENUES
Staten Island: Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the Hampton Inn at 1120 South Avenue

Manhattan: Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the TADA! Theater at 15 West 28th Street

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are available to the general public at CancerTamer.org for $35 for general admission and $75 for the October 5th premiere’s VIP/Cast Party (includes the play, a DJ dance party, cash bar, and a swag bag worth $100). Door tickets cost $45 for general admission.

ABOUT CANCER TAMER
Cancer Tamer Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides education, empowerment services, and life-enriching activities to women and men with breast cancer in New York City. It was founded by Dr. Charley Ferrer on the philosophy that cancer is not merely an “outside force” you must battle – instead, it’s an “inside force” residing in your body; one you must learn to “tame” to live a healthy, more fulfilling life despite the disease. As an avid inspirational speaker, Dr. Ferrer shares her personal experience with cancer helping others lead a happier healthier life. She is the author of the book series, Breast Cancer Diaries, which provides ways to deal with the insanity of cancer.

Media Contact:
Jessica Lopez
Cancer Tamer Foundation
(718) 916-4124
info@CancerTamer.org