One day after a scan, Amanda’s mother, Terry, spoke about an image that came to her, of the cancer cells as campers traveling through her body, pitching tents and roasting s'mores around a fire. Terry brought it up again and again, until Amanda finally asked if she wanted to write a show together. Quacks & Whacks is inspired by her experiences, which include:

1) Being diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer (tumors in her lung, brain, hip, thigh and adrenal gland) five years after a lung biopsy came back negative

2) Surviving two major surgeries (hip/femur replacement to remove a tumor and prevent bone fractures and brain surgery to remove a tumor)

3) Multiple courses of radiation on her lung, brain, hip, femur, and adrenal gland

4) Being a genetic match for a very expensive targeted chemotherapy tablet that she has been able to obtain through a combination of funding and Medicare’s out-of-pocket payment caps

5) The frustrations and absurdity of navigating the U.S. Healthcare System while dealing with all of the above

Terry and Amanda hope this show galvanizes audiences to advocate for a reconfiguration of patient care in the medical world with regard to such issues as patient communication, scheduling considerations, financing, and bedside manner. They are thrilled to collaborate with the talented and dedicated team of artists working to bring this production to life at NYC Fringe this April. 

ABOUT QUACKS & WHACKS: A cancer comedy

The script was a finalist for the David A. Einhorn Playwriting Prize. Here are some things that have been said about it:

“Dark and entertaining on a taboo topic, relatable moments for any cancer or chronically ill patient. Perhaps although meant tongue in cheek more of this will help one day bring awareness to the areas the medical world could use some restoration.” -Amber, Cancer Survivor

“Loved it! It was very visual and injected humor into such a frightening, frustrating and isolating word and experience. I loved visualizing the cells individually rather than collectively- (such as my sister calling it “that Cancer bitch” ). Much more descriptive and the idea of them happily taking up residence in various part of her body as she struggled to navigate the healthcare system was something that would be relatable to those who have had the disease- and perhaps bring some clarity and understanding to those who have not.” -Kim, Cancer Survivor

“Very rich satire.  It really got me thinking about how many things can be improved in this nutty medical system of ours.” -Dr. Arash Asher, Cedars Sinai Hospital