
The Education of Dee Dee Ricks is an intimate and passionately told documentary chronicling how a successful businesswoman and mother’s life changes dramatically.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Dee Dee sets out to make life easier for less fortunate cancer patients.
Filmmaker Perri Peltz brilliantly captures Dee Dee’s treatment and transformation, her heartache and eventual triumph. Dee Dee’s humor shines through as she helps her two young sons adjust to her new baldness, jokes with doctors and discusses dating with her wigmaker.
One of the most poignant moments in the film is Dee Dee’s meeting with Dr. Harold Freeman, a man dedicated to making diagnosis and treatments more accessible to all. Forever changed after meeting Dr. Freeman, Dee Dee commits herself to helping him raise funds for his center and spreading the word about patient navigation.
Another key moment comes when Dee Dee meets Cynthia, another woman battling breast cancer. Although their personal situations differ dramatically, the two women form a deep bond.
The Education of Dee Dee Ricks tells the story about a Harlem doctor’s heroism, the friendship of two women and how one woman was transformed by the experience.
The film will premiere on HBO on October 27 and made its debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in May.
Watch the following scenes from The Education of Dee Dee Ricks.
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