I’m a partner at Myriad, but my role on this video was creative director. I wanted to deeply understand Mary’s story, how it relates to our client’s product, and how to take the viewers through an experience that is sincere and connected.

I met Mary at the beginning of our work with Personalis. Personalis makes a DNA blood test for cancer recurrence. Mary is a breast cancer survivor. Surviving cancer is always tough, but Mary was tested far more than most.

My own path of surviving cancer was so much less; skin cancer six times, three of which required surgery. However, we both knew that fear of recurrence which never relents. It was a point of immediate connection.

Our language was the same. We instantly wanted to support each other. As we moved through the creative process, and then the production at her home, this all felt like a friendship… or maybe more of a kinship.

Her story was powerful, inspiring and conveyed with a deep sincerity that only comes from surviving. It was as real as it gets. I found myself getting teary-eyed, for all the different emotions. Fear. Joy. Family Bonds. Something deeply appreciative of each new morning.

This is an example of a product marketing video with heart. By focusing on Mary, viewers immediately understand the ‘Why’ behind Personalis and their DNA blood test. The story was authentic, and honest, and the video became advice and encouragement to other survivors and those investing in this new tool for surviving cancer.

I feel the final video will make the impact we all hoped for throughout the process. And best of all, I made a new friend and I hope she feels that we were able to honor her survival story. That’s a connection to the work that truly matters.