“Living Downstream,” the critically acclaimed environmental documentary film, will be shown Wednesday, March 27, at Muskegon Community College and will be followed by a discussion.
The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 6:30 p.m. in Stevenson Center Room 1100 and is co-sponsored by Sweetwater Center for Organic Opportunity and the Muskegon Community College Sustainability Task Force.
The film details the life and work of biologist and cancer survivor, Dr. Sandra Steingraber. “Living Downstream” documents the growing body of scientific evidence that links human health with the health of our environment and concludes that the best way to beat cancer is by preventing it in the first place.
“The film follows Sandra, who is on a journey,” says its director Chanda Chevannes. “But the chemicals against which she is fighting are also on the move. We follow these invisible toxins as they migrate to some of the most beautiful places in North America. We see how these chemicals enter our bodies, and how, once inside, scientists believe they may be working to cause cancer.”
After viewing the hour-long documentary, there will be a brief intermission followed by a panel discussion and a question-and-answer period with the audience. Diana Jancek, Director of Sweetwater Center for Organic Opportunity, will moderate
Panelists include:
- Claire Schlaff, a former Muskegon Public Schools occupational therapist who initiated and directed the White Lake Area Cancer Mapping Project. She is currently in communication with organizations about mapping and analysis of the data.
- Patrice Bobier, an organic farmer and certified professional midwife for over a quarter-of-a-century; and
- Patty Oltean, an athlete, a yoga and Pilates instructor who holds workshops in West Michigan for cancer support groups, and for those wanting to learn more about cancer prevention.
For more information, contact Darlene DeHudy, co-chair, MCC Sustainability Task Force, at (231) 777-0268 or by e-mail at dehudyd@muskegoncc.edu