ROCKVILLE, Md. (CBS Washington) — The creative and performing arts have long been mediums used for expressing extreme emotions and telling stories that words alone cannot truly capture.

Eileen Mitchard recognized that power, and wanted to use it toward further spreading awareness about the profound effects a breast cancer diagnosis can have on a woman and the people around her.

“Breast in Show” was the realized product of that desire.

“The project started two years ago as an idea, a desire to create a new musical about breast cancer,” Mitchard told CBS Washington, adding that a bought of empty nest syndrome led her to inspiration and ultimately, accomplishment. “I found myself with the opportunity and the resources to pursue my dream of making an original show that has meaning to other people.”

As executive producer of the show, Mitchard has been spearheading the effort to translate a vast resource of personally collected interviews and testimonials from survivors into a musical chronicling the journey of four diagnosed women.

The creative team is made up of seasoned professionals, including Mitchard herself. The script was written by Lisa Hayes, the music and lyrics by Joan Cushing, and Kathryn Chase Bryer is the director.

“It’s really a fabulous show,” she said of the overall product.

The musical director and choreographer — the latter of whom is a breast cancer survivor herself — are also experienced performers, and the cast is comprised of widely respected actors in the D.C. area, half of whom are equity.

For Mitchard, the choice to highlight the personal issues surrounding breast cancer was an easy one to make.

“Breast cancer has always been my cause. I think it’s one of the worst things that can happen to a woman … from possibly losing a body part to beauty and self esteem issues,” Mitchard said, adding that she has known many who have both survived and lost their battles with breast cancer. “I wanted to work toward creating awareness through a grassroots movement, so that we’re not satisfied with accepting this disease as something we have to endure.”

Presently, breast cancer affects hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. According to the National Cancer Institute, 230,480 women and 2,140 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. Of those, 39,520 women and 450 men died from it.

Added Mitchard, “I really want to try and find the cause and eradicate breast cancer.”

Performances of “Breast in Show” will be held Friday, Oct. 14, and Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Jewish Community Center in Rockville.

Tickets are $50 for general admission, $99 for supporters, whose names will be listed in the program and on their website, breastinshow.org.

Proceeds will go to Critters for the Cure, Red Devils and METAvivor.