Call it a 2-minute warning: Breast-cancer-fighting filmmaker’s video

Nikki Mackey hopes you will take two minutes to watch that video she and her filmmaking partner have just created. We heard from her last October, when she got her hair cut at Illusions Hair Design (WSB sponsor) to donate to Locks of Love – right before she started treatment for breast cancer. (Here’s that story.) At the time, Nikki explained, “I’m 36 years old – I have no family history of this disease – I exercise regularly and eat organically, yet here I am.” And the latest:

I am an aspiring filmmaker – part of a 2-girl filmmaking team. My “partner in crime” (Connie Finn) actually lives over in West Seattle still. She and I made a PSA that was filmed back in December between my 3rd and 4th A/C chemo treatments. We had 2 days to film – 2 days that I would feel well enough for us to get it done. We filmed this in my bathroom if you would believe it – totally indie-style! … That day also happened to be my 37th birthday – one that could have easily been my last. I hope you will consider posting the film on your site. Its run time is only 2 minutes but the message is important and clear. We aren’t seeking to make any money from this film – only to save lives. I am still in chemo – I have another 9 months to go. But I am fighting hard and I aim to win – and it is all about early detection.

As a viewer advisory, we should note there is a point in the video where some may decide to turn away. But the truth of its message is inescapable. (Here’s more information from the American Cancer Society.)

Steven February 6, 2011 (10:07 am)

Thank you for that, Nikki! As the husband of a cancer survivor I found your video very moving and poignant. Bless you for your courage, and thank you WSB for putting this out here!

JanS February 6, 2011 (10:13 am)

As one who has so far (6 years) survived this beast of a disease, I thank you for making this.

Manolita February 6, 2011 (10:14 am)

Nikki, you are a brave, beautiful woman. What a powerful video clip! Keep fighting. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lisa February 6, 2011 (11:39 am)

Awesome job Nikki.

d February 6, 2011 (11:40 am)

Nikki, you are beautiful. Inside and Out. Just sent a prayer up for you and all of the valiant others!

Thank you for the powerful reminder to care enough about ourselves to check monthly.

Victory will be sweet!

Mary February 6, 2011 (11:55 am)

Excellent message. I’ve been there. I will forward this to my Breast Cancer Support group (if I can figure out how).

Liza February 6, 2011 (12:09 pm)

Gorgeous. Wonderful. Appreciated.

LinWS February 6, 2011 (12:21 pm)

Beautiful and brave video showing a vibrant woman.

Most women who get breast cancer, like Nikki, have no family history. Current medical info says that if we eliminated the known changeable risk factors (unhealthy diet, smoking, no exercise, no BSE, obesity) that would only reduce breast cancer by 1/3. Meaning for the other 2/3 it makes no difference.

Early detection is good. Prevention would be even better. Rates have gone from less than 1 in 25 women in the 1900s to 1 in 7 women in the Puget Sound area. What’s changed?

Let’s put some research into non-genetic causes and to prevention.

Hang on through that chemo; afterwards it’ll be so much better. Blessings.

Rhonda Porter February 6, 2011 (12:28 pm)

what a powerful, beautiful and important message.

CeeBee February 6, 2011 (12:48 pm)

Thank you Nikki and Connie, so powerful in such a simple message. My doctors office has a TV in the waiting room, I’m going to see if they’ll show this along with the other medical spots.

cherylc February 6, 2011 (1:11 pm)

LinWS, I have breast cancer right now, and I wonder about this this. In my case it is a family issue so I wasn’t surprised. But I always wonder, what is causing the incidence to rise, if it is rising? I mean, in 1900, the average life expectancy in the U.S. was 42. (For instance I’m pretty sure I would have died in childbirth before I got to the age at which I got cancer, which was 43.) So, lots of people didn’t live long enough to get cancer. After I finish this whole process I want to research what we know now about how much the incidence has risen. I’m sure at least some research has been done, but I don’t know what it says.

d February 6, 2011 (1:43 pm)

I am not an expert, but I imagine that some of those numbers could have to do with the fact that women’s health care research has really only just gotten off the ground in the past decade and a half, at most. And there’s still a long, long way to go to get the funding for basic research and find the answers to these questions about breast cancer and other diseases which affect only women’s health.

ts February 6, 2011 (1:43 pm)

Don’t you think it is possible the incidents have risen because of early detection? It is possible to die with undetected cancer that is indolent and not die from cancer.

The really unfortunate issue is that the survival rate for metastatic breast cancer hasn’t really changed in all these years of pink fundraising – the $ and research isn’t being spent where the death rates are highest.

PS – more women are diagnosed and die from lung cancer every year than breast, ovarian, and cervical combined. Lung cancer is a women’s disease – but not if you look at funding.

Heidi February 6, 2011 (1:46 pm)

Very powerful video, and thanks WSB for sharing, Nikki, there are many of us standing beside you who have been there and are still fighting every day. I feel like it will be a lifelong struggle. I had no family history either but early detection made a big difference for me. Ladies, get to know your bodies very well and involve your partner in helping gauge what’s “normal” for your body. Here’s to all of us warriors!

JoanM February 6, 2011 (3:49 pm)

Thank you, Nikki, for your courage and for sharing this. I just found out a friend has breast cancer and is facing surgery shortly. I wish I could do something for her other than sit by and support her.

marym February 6, 2011 (7:33 pm)

Nikki,
Thank you for a very powerful and important film. I am starting a 2nd round of a new regimen of chemo/radation after my cancer reappeared after a year and a half. It is scary, thank you for putting a face to this disease. Be Strong.

angelescrest February 6, 2011 (8:04 pm)

Amazing and brave–thank you from my daughters and me.

Heike Malakoff February 6, 2011 (8:31 pm)

Hi Nikki:
My friend just forwarded this to me… I need to talk to you.. I was diagnosed at age 34, 7 years ago.. started a nonprofit org. called http://www.checkyourboobies.org to educate young women about the importance of breast health, prevention and early detection.
I have my annual fundraiser coming up.. I need you involved. let’s talk.
Thanks,
Heike Malakoff
heike@checkyourboobies.org
206-963-6556

kte February 6, 2011 (11:01 pm)

Beautiful. I will forward this on. Thank you for sharing.

ad February 6, 2011 (11:05 pm)

Ditto, what the others have said. I am younger, but have a history of breast cancer in my family. I will remember this short film and give myself exams more often. Thank you

Dina February 7, 2011 (7:56 am)

Thank you Nikki, I was moved and the message will stay in my mind. What a woman.

Imelda Dulcich February 7, 2011 (10:32 am)

This is lovely. Beautiful and breathtaking. I posted on my blog in memory of my sister Francesca who died from breast cancer. Thank you for sharing this. Imelda

Tracy Dart February 7, 2011 (4:45 pm)

Nikki, you are so strong. Just loved you to bits already – but after seeing this video – I know that you are a kindred spirit and a sister survivor! Fight on Nikki! Keep spreading the word – by sharing your story – you take back control over this disease! Believe it! I believe in you! Love and Energy to you!

MB February 7, 2011 (6:09 pm)

I’m really glad to see someone reminding woman of ALL ages to be aware of their bodies. Beautiful film, it made me cry.

This is not an “older woman’s” disease…it’s an every woman’s disease. My friend who was diagnosed at 26 and had a double mastectomy by 28 is a perfect example. Early detection is SO IMPORTANT! She was able to be proactive because she new her own body. Who knows if she would have even made it to the “recommended” age for a first mammogram. Don’t live your life afraid, but don’t be dooped into thinking it can’t happen until you’re older…by then it may be to late. Prayers for Nikki and all the other woman, young and old, who are fighting for their lives. I am so grateful my friend had the courage to take her health into her own hands and save her own life…

Diana S February 13, 2011 (8:08 pm)

I am glad to see this movie that you made you a beautiful and strong, my mom is going through breast cancer chemo now also at this time. She also had a mastectomy too. She is a fighter as well. Happy 37th Birthday to you.

Sorry, comment time is over.