Unveiling Resilience: A Film That Captures the Extraordinary Lives of Blood Cancer Warriors
In a powerful collaboration, AbbVie has teamed up with an award-winning filmmaker to bring to light the inspiring stories of individuals battling blood cancer. But here's where it gets controversial... or rather, eye-opening. This film isn't just about the disease; it's a celebration of life, resilience, and the incredible strength of the human spirit.
The Film: Second Winds
Second Winds follows the journeys of three extraordinary individuals diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a common blood cancer affecting over 200,000 adults in the United States. Through their stories, we witness how a life-altering diagnosis can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for life.
Meet Christina, a peer support group leader who was diagnosed in 2013 and now guides newly diagnosed patients; Jeff, a retiree who has lived with CLL for two decades; and Alejandro, an environmental engineer and father of three, diagnosed in 2020. Despite their challenges, these individuals have not only found strength but also a renewed passion for life, embracing activities like hiking, cycling, snow skiing, and land paddling.
A Powerful Message from AbbVie
"Second Winds shines a light on the incredible resilience and hope of those living with CLL," said Andy Souers, Ph.D., VP and distinguished research fellow at AbbVie. "We, at AbbVie, are committed to supporting the blood cancer community through scientific advancements and by sharing these inspiring stories."
The Filmmaker's Perspective
Directed by the talented Dominic Gill, an award-winning filmmaker known for Planetwalker and Last Call for the Bayou, Second Winds offers a unique perspective on survival and resilience. Gill, who was shortlisted for an Oscar this year, said, "Spending time with the subjects gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to be a survivor. With the support of the filmmaking team and AbbVie, we've brought to life the power of determination and hope."
A Premier and Availability
Second Winds premiered in Los Angeles on November 13, hosted by the renowned Jesse Tyler Ferguson, an award-winning actor, producer, and author. Ferguson, who has experienced cancer's impact on his family, said, "What moved me about Second Winds is its message of hope and resilience. It's a powerful reminder that even in the face of a devastating diagnosis, life can be rediscovered and cherished."
The film is now available on LA Times Studios Short Docs and AbbVie's YouTube Channel. It will also be available for streaming on Documentary+ starting in December 2025.
AbbVie's Commitment to Oncology
AbbVie is dedicated to transforming the standards of care for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. They are advancing a dynamic pipeline of investigational therapies for various cancer types, focusing on creating targeted medicines to impede or eliminate cancer cells. This is achieved through targeted treatment modalities and biology interventions, including small molecule therapeutics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), immuno-oncology-based therapeutics, and more.
Their expansive oncology portfolio includes approved and investigational treatments for a wide range of blood and solid tumors. AbbVie is committed to exploring solutions to ensure patients have access to their cancer medicines.
A Call to Action and Discussion
This film is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's resilience. It invites us to reflect on our own perspectives on life and health. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the disease; it's about the life that continues despite it. What are your thoughts? Do you find inspiration in stories like these? How do you think we can better support those living with chronic illnesses? Share your thoughts and let's spark a conversation!
