It seems everyone is talking about The Education of Dee Dee Ricks, which premiered at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival, followed by a Tribeca Talks panel led by director/producer Perri Peltz. The topic? The critical issue of breast cancer treatment for the poor and uninsured, which also happens to be the topic of this powerful documentary.

The Education of Dee Dee Ricks will have its broadcast premiere tonight on HBO Documentaries, and The Buzz caught up with the filmmakers, subjects, and supporters at a recent fundraiser held by Tory Burch at her flagship New York store. Burch even designed T-shirts to raise funds for cancer patients; get yours today!



Executive produced by Tribeca’s own Jane Rosenthal, The Education of Dee Dee Ricks follows Dee Dee Ricks, a 39-year-old woman who had a successful business, two beautiful kids, and a whirlwind social life. When a diagnosis of breast cancer changed her world, Ricks underwent an emotional rebirth, chronicled in the movie. As a breast cancer survivor, she realized that not all cancer patients had access to the same treatment options that her healthcare allowed for; as a result, Ricks became determined to help make life easier for less fortunate cancer patients.*

From the website: “As a cancer survivor, Dee Dee Ricks knows firsthand the pain, the trauma and the daily stress a patient endures. Now she’s helping others navigate their way through that maze.” Ricks went from patient to activist, working with the Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute to train “patient navigators” to offer support through the roller coaster of diagnosis, treatment and survival.



Once you’ve watched the film, check out the extensive website. How can you help? You can support training of patient navigators, as they learn to make all the difference in the lives of those battling cancer. Details are outlined on the site.

Like The Education of Dee Dee Ricks on Facebook.

Watch the movie on HBO, premiering Thursday, October 27, at 8:30 pm. The film will repeat throughout the next month, and will be available on HBO GO.

*Film synopsis adapted from the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival Film Guide.