A special screening of “Ways to Live Forever” will take place at the Somerville Theatre on Sept. 23.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Ways to Live Forever, a unique film about leukemia patients, will be shown at the Somerville Theatre on September 23 at 7 p.m. World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation is distributing this film, which gives an “insider’s look” at the ways in which cancer affects patients and their families.

The film’s story, based on Sally Nicholls’ novel, involves 12 year-old leukemia patient Sam. Along with his best friend and leukemia patient, Felix, a journey is made to reach their goals, while living their lives to the fullest. In addition, they learn important lessons about friends and family, as well as “the oddities of life.”

World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation collaborated with many cancer foundations, health organizations, and hospitals from all over the nation, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the Sydney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, as well as others.

Part of the box office profits will be donated to the Boston chapter of LLS.

Robbie Kay played Sam McQueen in the film. The character gives viewers a special point of view from the child who has been affected by the illness. The character utilizes video recordings to get this across.

“The film enlightened me to the short- and long-term effects of having cancer for the sufferer, and their friends and family members, too. It drove me to be more active in raising awareness and money for cancer. Watching documentaries about patients suffering from leukemia in preparation for the film certainly led me to view the character in a different and more sympathetic way,” Kay said.

Kay hopes that viewers will learn to be more cognizant of the situation of cancer patients, especially how it affects patients’ families.

“I hope that the campaign has helped to revitalize positivity in many children who have been diagnosed with Leukemia and other blood disorders, from the way that the film is portrayed. It should be seen as a film about life, much more so than death. And that mindset has, hopefully, encouraged individuals to make the most of life and to be as happy as possible, no matter what the situation. I also hope that it has provided a bit of entertainment, considering there are many funny moments in the film,” said Kay.

Interested individuals may view a video with Johns Hopkins’ Pediatric Oncology director at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mZ_ZRMJn6U. Additionally, visit the film’s website at www.waystoliveforevermovie.com and Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/WaysToLiveForever.