Educational Projects And Programs

Deep Canyon: One Woman's Experience
with Ovarian Cancer

Annan Paterson
Thursday, June 6, 2002

This educational program is co-sponsored by the UCI Chao Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Office of Medical Education. The program is organized through the Program in Medical Humanities & Arts, UCI College of Medicine

Annan Paterson is the author and performer of "Deep Canyon." "Deep Canyon" is a solo performance that explores the journey of a young wife, mother, and career woman who receives the unexpected and terrifying diagnosis of cancer. As an ovarian cancer patient in 1989, Annan experienced unusual but surprisingly universal situations. Through both humor and drama, and a variety of characters, "Deep Canyon" explores how cancer was truly a turning point in the life of the author and how it continues to impact her life today.

Annan Paterson has been acting for over 25 years in the San Francisco Bay area and California's Central Valley. She has studied classical and modern theatre as well as improvisational acting at the University of California, Berkeley and the Bennett TheatreLab in San Francisco.

Following the performance, an interactive panel discussion of oncologists, patients, social workers, nurses, and members of the audience will explore reactions to "Deep Canyon" and examine its implications for improved patient care.

An informal reception for the actor, panelists, and interested audience members will conclude the evening.

Objectives for the event include:

To explore patient and family member perspectives during cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery
To explore dynamics of the healing process, including medical, psychological, social, and spiritual domains
To encourage dialogue between patients, survivors, family members, health professionals, and the general public
To deepen awareness and understanding of issues that cancer patients and survivors deal with day to day.