Through her contributions to pediatric cancer treatments and the co-founding of the Ronald McDonald House Foundation, pediatric oncologist Audrey Evans reshaped how families are supported through their children’s medical journeys.
On March 28, the film “Audrey’s Children” premiered in theaters, showcasing the life and accomplishments of Evans.
According to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Evans is known as the “Mother of Neuroblastoma” because of her breakthroughs in treating this rare form of cancer.
“In addition to her research and clinical innovations, Dr. Evans also advanced the field of integrative medicine, committed to treating not just a child’s medical issues but their social, emotional and spiritual needs as well,” CHOP’s website said.
According to the film’s producer’s assistant Andre Saballette, the creation of the film was “a mission to tell the story of a woman who changed so many lives and to really embody her vision, her caring[ness] and her love and be able to take that and apply it to a film about her.”
For many members of the cast, they were already familiar with Evans, though some more than others, and the opportunities she gave to children fighting childhood cancer before even reading the script.
Saballette believes that everyone at some point realized that “it was a very special topic from multiple levels [and] that we wanted to make sure that we told the story for the families, too, because we’re honoring them and their journey.”
“Whether they already came [to set] knowing the history or came on and then learned, everyone took their time to really get to know the story, the history and the aspect of the role that they were playing in making sure the story was told,” Saballette said.
According to the CHOP website, in 1974, Evans founded the Ronald McDonald House to give families a “home away from home,” providing a supportive atmosphere for parents to rest while their child undergoes treatment.
In 1987, Evans also played a pivotal role in creating Ronald McDonald Camp, a summer camp experience for children with cancer and their siblings.
For freshman Aisling Shelly, who played the role of Aisling Patient in the film, she believes that “Audrey’s Children” showcases why Evan’s should be a “household name.”
“I feel like she should be recognized for the work that she’s done because of how important she is,” Shelly said.
According to Saballette, the general consensus of the film among viewers was split between three reactions.
“For one, people are again amazed at who Dr. Evans was and they’re surprised that it took this long to tell her story,” Saballette said. “[Second], the progress that she was able to make and the glass ceilings that she broke in order to get there. I think the third aspect is that we told a story that was difficult to tell, because it’s not an easy subject to cover.”