Good Voices: Annie Parker
- Katherine Ross
- Oct 21, 2018
- 4 min read
How does one measure strength? I’m not talking physical strength, the kind you measure by how much you can lift, and how much muscle you have.
I am talking about the will power and genuine kindness one has.
So, no, I don’t know how to measure it. But I know how to recognize it.
Anne (Annie) Parker, a name that is synonymous with strength, is one you may or may not recognize. In 2013, a movie based off her story, as well as researcher Marie Claire King, was released.
Having survived cancer multiple times, and gone through so much emotionally that the average person dares not imagine, she continues to be a positive and inspiring point in life.
I can’t remember the first time I met Annie, but I know that I can always remember her smile. When you see it, it’s a bright light that is so genuine and good, you can’t help but smile back. At least, that’s who she is to me.
Kind, caring, and strong. There are so many words to describe Annie, but these are the first three that come to my mind.
I always try and find strong women I can look up too, but I didn’t have to try with Annie. I just knew how cool she was. So, here I am, 2018 still thinking about the women who I met back in 2013, and have seen in person only a handful of times.
I reached out to Annie, to ask her a few questions, and wanted to relay the E-Interview to the world.
So here she is, questions I have asked answered, with Annie Parker.
Can you please say who you are, and what you do.
My name is Anne Parker aka Annie Parker. There’s a story here which I get to momentarily. I’m the Sales Manager at the Living Arts Centre, Mississauga.
What is your passion?
My passion came about through fate and an unfortunate family curse known as the BRCA (BR for Breast, CA for Cancer) gene mutation.
I lost my mother to breast cancer when I was only 14 years old, and 2 other family members including my sister before my 27th birthday. In 1980 at the age of 29, I was diagnosed with the first of three cancers – breast cancer.
Firmly believing that there had to be a medical reason for so much bad luck, I spent hours in libraries researching a possible connection between family genetics and cancer.
In the early 90’s my theory was confirmed by Dr. Mary-Clare King, an American scientist who discovered the BRCA 1 & BRCA 2 gene mutation. In 1994, I was one of the first to be tested to see if I carried defect. I did.
Given the discovery and my family plight, I was contacted by a Hollywood producer about turning my story and the story of Dr. Mary-Claire King into a film. The movie is called Decoding Annie Parker. I also wrote a book entitled Annie Parker Decoded. The movie and book is a wonderful avenue for me to educate, empower and advocate for breast cancer screening to high risk families.
What do you have to say to people who have faced a lot of challenges in their lives/who have had a lot of issues that try and stop them from their goal?
Never give up! It doesn’t hurt to slow down and reassess your goals or even change directions. There is always the possibility of disappointment or even failure, but it will be impossible to succeed until you try!
Women are starting to get the recognition they deserve, and the roles they are fighting for. Do you have any advice for women who are in this position?
Women have weather the skepticism of their male colleagues for a very long time. My advice to women of today or the millennial's is to stay focused and engaged in your goals.
Do you have anything to say to people reading this, who want to have their voices heard and to share their experience?
There isn’t a lot of certainty in this world today. However, if you “think outside the box and take on something they have never done before this will boost your self-worth. Plus, challenge you personally and professionally.
Do you have any advice for people who want to make a difference?
Everyone would like to make their mark in the world, or leave behind a legacy. Not everyone has stories that will change the world, but everyone has a story. My advice would be to act on your dreams because they’re yours, no one else’s.
Is there anything else you want to say, mention, or let people know?
Follow your dream and live your life like you matter …. because you do!
Anne is right. There isn’t a lot of certainty in this world today. But I am certain that this women has changed lives, inspired others, and will continue to do so.
After all, she inspired me. And I am all the better from meeting her.
Hopefully, from reading this article, you are inspired too.
Article written by
Katherine Ross.