Natalie Dormer Stars as Pediatric Oncologist in 'Audrey's Children'
Most (almost all?) Americans have undoubtedly heard of Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides housing and support to millions of families in 62 countries around the world. But what you might be surprised to learn is that one of the organization's co-founders was British: Revolutionary pediatric oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans. And now a feature film is set to bring her story to life onscreen for the first time, with none other than Natalie Dormer (White Lies) set to star.
Set in 1970, Audrey's Children will follow Evans as she is recruited to run the Oncology Department at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (Fun fact: She was the first woman to hold the role of Chief of Oncology there, which naturally came with its own challenges and setbacks from the medical establishment.) During a time when 90% of patients were dying of cancer, Evans became a pioneer in the clinical study and treatment of childhood cancer.
Described as rebellious and unconventional, Evans frequently risked her career to overhaul treatment options and offer housing and support to the families of sick children. Her particular area of focus was neuroblastoma, and she ultimately reduced the mortality rate of the disease by about 50 percent.
