​Katie Mattie

As a senior at Notre Dame, I co-directed the student documentary, The Suicide Disease, which won Best Documentary at the Sunset International Film Festival in Los Angeles.

 

The film follows Dr. Frances Shavers, the University of Notre Dame President's Chief of Staff, and her experience with the neuroloical disorder, Trigeminal Neuralgia.

 

Trigeminal Neuralgia causes severe electrocuting-type pain to the face up to 200 times per day. It's been reported that 50% of people who are diagnosed with TN commint suidicde within 2 years, giving it the nickname, the Suicide Disease.