Thriv(h)er
The Powerful and Resilient Journey of Becoming a Parent after Surviving Cancer.
About the film
Thriv(h)er is an uplifting documentary that follows young women who have overcome breast cancer and want to grow their families. The film intimately follows these thrivers at different stages of their lives, attempting to navigate fertility, pregnancy, safe delivery, and postpartum after cancer treatment.
The film reveals how cancer thrivers juggle mental and physical health–from the ability to get pregnant to breastfeeding. The documentary explores changes being made to the healthcare system to accommodate younger women who have survived cancer and are currently experiencing it.
Currently in production., Thriv(h)er champions these women's resilience, providing audiences with crucial knowledge, impact, and hope.
A Powerful Educational and Advocacy Film
Our
Mission
Thriv(h)er is on a mission to give hope to women navigating parenthood after overcoming cancer. The film celebrates resilience by sharing the journeys of diverse individuals, fostering connection among those with similar experiences, and challenging stereotypes. Through its stories, Thriv(h)er advocates for better healthcare and support systems for cancer thrivers, families, and women, empowering viewers to push for meaningful change in their communities.
Building on strong community partnerships, Thriv(h)er will achieve its mission through high-impact initiatives, including live and virtual events, a national PBS broadcast reaching millions, and educational toolkits for advocacy work. By creating long-lasting partnerships with nonprofits, hospitals, researchers, and changemakers, the project aims to support women's health and family planning.
Thriv(h)er strives to leave an enduring legacy of awareness, support, and inspiration.
THE STORIES
Amber Rice Dawn
Amber Rice Dawn is a loving mother, breast cancer survivor, Navy veteran, and professional fighter whose resilience and determination inspire all who meet her. From her disciplined life as an Operations Specialist in the Navy to her remarkable achievements in natural bodybuilding and jiu-jitsu, Amber’s journey is one of adaptability and strength.
Diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at 30, she faced the disease head-on, undergoing a mastectomy that left a scar symbolizing her courage. After treatment, Amber experienced the joy of a surprise pregnancy, navigating the complexities of motherhood as a cancer survivor while embracing the challenges of breastfeeding with one breast. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and hope.
“Cancer tried to take me out, but I’m still standing—grateful to have two beautiful babies post-cancer and able to breastfeed with one breast.”
— Amber Dawn Rice
Lorelei Colbert
Lorelei Colbert is a mother, breast cancer advocate, and inspiring speaker who was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at 28. During treatment, she launched the Chemo to Kindness℠ Challenge, inspiring global acts of kindness. The film follows her journey as a new mother, exploring emotional and physical challenges of her postpartum experience, including meetings with her OBGYN, Lactation Consultant, and Oncologist.
Through her advocacy and personal story, Lorelei sheds light on how breast cancer survivors are transforming maternal care while embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood.
“I had always wanted to breastfeed and had to find peace with not being able to. Our son only knows me by scars, but he is well fed and loved.”
— Lorelei Colbert
Anna Wassman-Cox
Anna Wassman-Cox is a professional ballerina, two-time breast cancer survivor, and founder of the Onco-Ballet Foundation, which offers healing ballet classes for individuals affected by cancer. Diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer at 25 and facing a second diagnosis at 28, Anna turned to ballet as a source of physical and emotional recovery.
Now married and post-treatment, she is exploring options whether or not to start a family while navigating health considerations, personal goals, and meeting with fertility experts. The film showcases her resilience and the transformative healing power of ballet, while revealing the hope and inspiration her story brings to others facing similar fertility challenges young cancer thrivers face in their path to parenthood.
“At 25, I was determined that cancer wouldn’t rob me from the choice of motherhood.”
— Anna Wassman-Cox
Sharing Experiences Through Connection
From the stories of Amber, Anna, and Lorelei we meet more thrivers and parents who are on similar yet different journeys in their lives. We learn from their experiences and how it impacts each other.
Working with Leading Medical Experts in The Field
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Dr. Alison Spence
Oncologist
Stanford Health, Veteran Affairs Hospital of Palo Alto
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Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron
Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB-GYN) Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Fertility Centers of Illinois
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Dr. Ruta Rao
Oncologist
RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
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Dr. Andrea Madrigrano
Breast Surgeon
RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center
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Avis Pilewski, RN
Lactation Consultant
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital
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Dr. Alexandria C. Kragie
Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB-GYN)
Stanford Health
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Dr. Linsey Todd Graham
Oncologist
Womack Army Medical Center
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Dr. Ashlesha Patel
Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB-GYN)
John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County
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Dr. Stephanie Tzu-Ying Chang
Diagnostic Radiology
Stanford Health and Veteran Affairs Hospital of Palo Alto
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Dr. Lissette E. Machin
Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB-GYN)
Southern Pines Women's Health Center, A FirstHealth Clinic
CREATIVE TEAM
Melody C. Miller
Director, Producer, Cinematographer
Melody C. Miller is a mother, and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker known for her impactful storytelling that amplifies the voices of women and children’s rights. Her work centers around survivors overcoming significant barriers. With critically acclaimed feature films like California's Forgotten Children and ruth weiss, the beat goddess, her work inspired audiences to implement solutions to end social injustices. Recognized by International Festivals, PBS Broadcast, the United Nations Association, and the U.S. Senate, Melody's unique sensitivity and commitment to advocacy positions Thriv(h)er on the track record of films that inform, uplift, and tangible change.
Moana Sherrill
Producer
Moana Sherrill is a mother, young breast cancer survivor, and award-winning producer who has worked on major narrative motion pictures for Diablo Entertainment like Carnage Park and Sleight that received accolades at the Sundance Film Festival. Her documentary experience includes, ReThink Afghanistan, Country: Portraits of an American Sound, and Training Rules. She is a passionate advocate for young women’s cancer awareness.
Jennifer Solorio
Co-Producer
Jennifer Solorio is a Mexican American storyteller and producer, passionate about creating impactful narratives. With extensive experience in documentary filmmaking, multimedia production, and broadcast journalism, she has contributed to high-profile projects at PBS, A&E, and VICE. Driven by a deep interest in democracy and social change, Jennifer is dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and crafting stories that inspire and engage global audiences.
Yohana Gebre
Associate Producer
Yohana Gebre is a cool aunty, writer, and producer who enjoys creative work with an edge. Her work centers on social topics she hopes to normalize discussion around and bring a sense of healing to the community. Her expertise is in helping non-profits grow. Over the past decade, she has assisted in documentaries about the environment, animal rights, and social justice.
The Thriv(h)er creative team is committed to working women and mothers behind the camera. The journey of making this film has left life changing impact for everyone involved, sparking deeper reflections on their own health and family.
