Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will host a special viewing of the documentary film The Zebra & The Bear on November 14, 2024, at the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Jackson County Campus in Gautier. The event begins at 1:00 p.m. and includes a Q&A session with filmmaker Patrick O’Connor and Amber Olsen, the mother of Willow Cannan, the young girl featured in the film. Willow’s story is a testament to courage and hope as she and her family faced Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency (MSD), an ultra-rare genetic disorder.

The film follows Willow’s journey and her mother’s relentless efforts to raise funds and find researchers to pursue pioneering gene therapy treatments for MSD, a life-threatening condition with limited awareness and few treatment options. Known in the film as “The Bear,” Amber Olsen founded the MSD Foundation to provide resources and support for families affected by MSD and to advocate for further research into potential cures.

The event will also feature projects created by MGCCC Jackson County Campus Honors biology students, who have studied MSD and its impact on families. These students have explored the disease, the lives of 10 children affected by it and their families. Anatomy & Physiology students will present projects highlighting advances in treatment options and research breakthroughs.

Additionally, students will create a “Willow Wall” to honor Willow Cannan’s life and her mother’s dedication to raising awareness and hope for those affected by MSD.

“We’re proud to provide a platform where our students can learn about rare genetic disorders like MSD, not just through textbooks, but by connecting with the real-life stories of families affected by these diseases,” said Lynn Zimmerman, MGCCC biology instructor who spearheads this annual project. “This event allows students to understand the human impact of scientific research and to see how education and advocacy can bring hope to families facing unimaginable challenges.”

MGCCC’s hosting of The Zebra & The Bear reflects the college’s commitment to educating students and the community about the importance of medical research and genetic science and fostering empathy and awareness for families affected by rare diseases.

Event Details:

• What: Documentary Viewing of The Zebra & The Bear and Q&A Session
• When: Thursday, November 14, 2024, 1:00 p.m.
• Where: Fine Arts Auditorium, Jackson County Campus, MGCCC, Gautier, MS
• Special Guests: Filmmaker Patrick O’Connor and Amber Olsen, founder of the MSD Foundation

Because of film rights, the event is not open to the public. It is open to current and former MGCCC students and employees, and they are encouraged to attend.

For more information, please contact Lynn Zimmerman at madeline.zimmerman@mgccc.edu.