MHS Pre-Med Club Interns Complete Short Film Documentary: 'A Breast Cancer Story: Sandy's Journey"

The Commonwealth Cancer Association (CCA) is proud to share the completion of a powerful short documentary created in collaboration with select interns from the 2024 Marianas High School (MHS) Pre-Med Club. Titled “A Breast Cancer Story: Sandy’s Journey,” this film highlights the lived experience of breast cancer through the voice and courage of Sandy Leon Guerrero, a local survivor who chose to share her story for the benefit of our community.

Breast cancer remains the number one most diagnosed cancer in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Because of its impact on our islands, CCA continues to look for meaningful ways to raise awareness, encourage early screening, and remind individuals that they are not alone. In today’s generation, storytelling through film has become one of the most powerful ways to reach hearts, spark conversations, and inspire action.

Once the idea of creating a breast cancer documentary was formed, CCA knew exactly who to partner with. The MHS Pre-Med Club, made up of passionate and driven students interested in health and medicine, was a natural choice. Initially, nearly 30 students expressed interest in being part of the project. Through a thoughtful selection process, a smaller group of dedicated interns was chosen to bring this vision to life.

Special recognition goes to Bradley Ordona, Mary Grace Legaspi, Boying Lin, Angeli Palada, and Joan Song for their commitment, creativity, and care throughout this journey. Their work reflects not only technical skill, but deep respect for the story they were entrusted to tell.

Before filming began, the students underwent training to prepare them for the responsibility of documenting lived experiences. CCA extends heartfelt thanks to Thomas Manglona, founder of Marianas Press, who shared years of journalistic experience with the interns in a matter of weeks. Through his guidance, the students learned that storytelling is more than recording interviews — it is about capturing emotion, truth, and the soul of a person’s journey.

The documentary took over a year to complete, a process that required patience, learning, and trust. The result is a film that honors Sandy’s story with authenticity and compassion. Sandy’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and strength. From the very beginning, she believed in this project and encouraged CCA to take action, hoping her story would inspire others to prioritize their health and seek early screening.

A Breast Cancer Story: Sandy’s Journey stands as a reminder that our island is filled with powerful lived experiences, and that sharing them can save lives. CCA is honored to be part of a project that uplifts community voices, empowers youth, and continues the conversation around breast cancer awareness in the CNMI.

We invite everyone to watch this film with an open heart and to carry Sandy’s story forward — as a reminder of the importance of early detection, compassion, and community support.

The film is now available on the Commonwealth Cancer Association's YouTube Page. You can click here to view the film.