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The documentary tells the story of three men who are united by a common need for a bone marrow donor. The screening will be followed by a discussion led by the director Noah Hutton and producer Susan Brecker, whose husband is one of subjects of the film.
“The core of the movie and the donor movement lies in an essential truth. One individual truly can make a difference,” said Brecke. Her husband, jazz saxophonist and 15-time Grammy winner Michael Brecker, died of myelodysplastic syndrome when he was unable to find a donor match. This inspired Susan to make the film and to educate people about bone marrow donation.
There will be an opportunity to sign up for the International Bone Marrow Registry to become a possible bone marrow donor. The process involves filling out a form and taking a mouth swab.
“The more people who are in the donor bank, the more likely it is that matches can be made,” Brecker said. “In a sense, it is an insurance policy for everyone, worldwide.”
Brecker has shown the film at more than 25 jazz and music festivals, and has registered thousands of donors. Her husband knew many of the teachers in the Purchase Conservatory of Music Jazz Studies program, including the program’s director, Pete Malinverni.
“Michael Brecker was legendary in the jazz world, the gold standard for saxophone players and a 15-time Grammy winner,” Malinverni said. “We are thrilled to show this film and encourage people to register for the donor bank. Truly a fitting testimony to Michael’s generous spirit.”
The registration drive will take place in the Music Building Recital Hall from 4 to 9 p.m. The film will be shown at 7 p.m. There will be performances by the Purchase jazz musicians before and after the screening.
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