Sarah Lawrence College will host journalist Lizzie Stark for a breast cancer writing workshop on Nov. 1 in Bronxville.

The event, titled "Beyond the Diagnosis, the Story," pairs a conversation about genetics and memoir with afternoon tea, a book signing and a guided writing session.

It runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Barbara Walters Campus Center, 1 Mead Way.

Stark is the author of Pandora's DNA: Tracing the Breast Cancer Genes Through History, Science, and One Family Tree, published by Chicago Review Press in 2014.

The book traces the history and science of the BRCA mutations through her own family after she learned she carries a BRCA1 mutation, according to the event listing on Eventbrite.

The American Library Association named it a Notable Book. The American Association for the Advancement of Science listed it among five books about cancer everyone should read.

The afternoon opens with a keynote conversation between Stark and Dr. Meghan Aileen Lockard, the institute's executive director, followed by an audience question-and-answer session.

After tea, sandwiches and scones, Stark will sign copies of her book. The program closes with a guided writing prompt and group discussion.

The book signing is a collaboration with Periwinkle Books, the independent, female-founded bookshop at 76 Pondfield Road in Bronxville.

Each ticket includes afternoon tea, a souvenir pen and a Leuchtturm1917 notebook.

Stark holds a Master of Science in journalism from Columbia University and a Master of Fine Arts in fiction writing from Emerson College, the Eventbrite listing shows.

Her journalism has appeared in The Washington Post, Salon and the Daily Beast. She has also given a TEDx talk on the patient experience.

The workshop is presented by the Institute for Genomics and the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. Sarah Lawrence founded the world's first genetic counseling program in 1969, according to the institute's website.

Residents with questions can email [email protected]. Registration is available on Eventbrite.

Upcoming

  • Nov. 1: "Beyond the Diagnosis, the Story" narrative medicine workshop, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Barbara Walters Campus Center, Sarah Lawrence College, 1 Mead Way, Bronxville