THE EDUCATION OF DEE DEE RICKS: How a Millionaire Became an Advocate for Breast-Cancer Patients

A self-made millionaire living on New York City’s Upper East Side, 39-year-old Dee Dee Ricks seemed to have it all – until she was diagnosed with aggressive stage II breast cancer. Insured and affluent, she could afford the best treatment money could buy, but was shocked to realize how difficult it is for uninsured women in the same situation, and determined to do something about it.

Marking National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the candid documentary The Education of Dee Dee Ricks chronicles her transformation from successful businesswoman to determined advocate for poor breast-cancer patients and takes a no-holds-barred look at her own battle with the disease. This moving film by award-winning newswoman Perri Peltz debuts Thursday, October 27 at 8:30/7:30 on HBO.