Audrey's Children

Nearly 50 years ago I was diagnosed with Wilm's Tumor at CHOP and fortunately had Dr. Audrey Evans as one of my Oncologists! Remarkably, a week ago I held hands with my 92 year old mother while watching this wonderful movie at the theater. Audrey truly is an inspiration to all to keep fighting for what we know is right! So hopeful that this will continue to shed light on the importance of continued cancer research and the amazing difference one woman can make during these truly turbulent times. Thank you to all involved for sharing her story, it truly could not have come at a more poignant time! The story, directing, casting was phenomenal! Looking forward to sharing it with my family soon!!

Greetings again from the darkness. Firefighters, Police Officers, and Armed Forces soldiers and veterans are the ones we usually (and rightfully) describe as heroes; yet heroism can also be found in the actions of everyday people. Director Ami Canaan Mann and screenwriter Julia Fisher Farbman introduce us to one such hero in this biopic on Dr. Audrey Evans.

Natalie Dormer ("Game of Thrones") stars as Dr. Evans (the titular Audrey), a remarkable woman behind advancements in pediatric oncology, and also the founder of the first Ronald McDonald House. The film opens in 1969 as Dr. Evans begins her tenure at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Having trained under Dr. Sidney Farber, she immediately ruffles feathers by pushing the envelope on funding and research for her department. Chief Surgeon, Dr C Everett Koop (Clancy Brown, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, 1994) recruited her and almost immediately had to deal with her unorthodox approach ... and the complaints from Dr. Jeremy Lewis (Ben Chase, "Law and Order: Organized Crime"). Dr. Lewis is quite put out with this assertive woman going outside the norm to get her way.

It's inspiring to watch the determination with which Dr. Evans takes on all obstacles. Radiation expert, and steadfast rule follower, Dr. Dan Dangio (Jimmi Simpson, "Westworld") sees the potential in what Dr. Evans is pursuing and joins in the mission, as does Dr. Brian Faust (Brandon Michael Hall, "God Friended Me"). Their research methods are exhausting to watch - this was prior to computers, so not only did they have to comb through mounds of paper files, compiling results and drawing conclusions was even more excruciating.

The painstaking work led to the Evans Staging System for categorizing cancer in patients, and it also led to dramatic improvements in survival rates for kids with cancer. "Kids with cancer" ... can there be a more heartbreaking and depressing topic? Trust me, it's painful to see even in a movie. Bits of the movie seem somewhat contrived, especially her brief interactions with kids playing on the sidewalk, as well as with the Vietnam protestors. Additionally, her wardrobe seems incredible for a woman living in an apartment that likely had a 5-foot-wide closet at best. Still, Natalie Dormer delivers a nice performance as this remarkable woman.

It's 1974 when the Philadelphia Eagles owners are persuaded (by Dr Evans) to sponsor the Ronald McDonald House - a charity that, now 50 years later, has proved vital to so many children and families. Of course, the Dr. C. Everett Koop in this story went on to be serve as U. S. Surgeon General in the 1980s, and the full story of Dr. Evans and Dr. Dangio is also quite remarkable. Director Mann runs an interview with an elderly Dr. Evans over the closing credits, and aptly finishes things with Carole King singing "You've Got a Friend". It's always inspirational to learn the full story of real-life heroes, and the life of Dr. Audrey Evans is one we should continue to relish.

Opens in theaters on March 28, 2025.

Julia Fisher Farbman's story of Dr. Audrey was fantastic and Natalie Dormer's portrayal was wonderful and heartwarming; truly bringing Dr. Audrey's desire to make a difference to life on screen.

Though just the beginning of Dr. Audrey's inspiring story, it will (or should) make the viewer want to learn more about her journey to save "her" children and all the strides she made in trying to do so.

This is a story that should be taught in schools. A lesson in what perseverance, dedication, hard work and a true love of subject can drive a person to do.

Always happy to see Philadelphia portrayed in a positive light too!

This movie is worth the watch!

The life Dr. Audrey Evans is a story that needs to be told! What an amazing and inspirational woman - a true ground breaker for female doctors and well as women in science.

It's a powerful testimony to how far childhood cancer research & treatment has come. It also highlights the struggles families experience when they have a child with cancer.

It highlights the amazing work of the children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Ronald McDonald House charities (RMHC.)

Dr. Audrey Evans was a true pioneer, who wasnt afraid to speak her mind and do what was right for her patients.

The movie was amazing and inspiring! It has the right amount of comedy sprinkled in to offset the extremely heavy and emotional subject matter. Lots of great acting and as expected led incredibly by Natalie Dormer. Highly recommend experiencing the lovely storytelling and the chance to learn about a true pioneer such as Audrey.

The movie was amazing and inspiring! It has the right amount of comedy sprinkled in to offset the extremely heavy and emotional subject matter. Lots of great acting and as expected led incredibly by Natalie Dormer. Highly recommend experiencing the lovely storytelling and the chance to learn about a true pioneer such as Audrey.