Let's Talk About Your Breasts

Safiya felt a lump at 36, had no insurance, and almost didn't know where to turn. Thankfully, a referral brought her to The Rose, where our patient navigation team helped her qualify for breast cancer treatment and got her first appointment at MD Anderson scheduled in just 15 days. Through all of it, our navigators walked alongside her, and her faith, anchored by a prayer her father read her the day she was diagnosed, carried her the rest of the way. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How does The Rose help uninsured women qualify for breast cancer Medicaid and access treatment quickly? 2. What does the path from diagnosis to treatment look like for a woman with no insurance? 3. How did Safiyah get from diagnosis on January 12 to her first MD Anderson appointment on January 27? 4. What does the full course of breast cancer treatment, chemo, surgery, radiation, and reconstruction, look like for a young mother? 5. How do you talk to young children about a parent's breast cancer diagnosis? 6. What role did faith play in Safiyah's ability to get through treatment and stay present for her kids? 7. How did Safiyah take some control during a time when her body was changing in painful and visible ways? 8. Why do women need to know their family history of breast cancer, and why has that knowledge often been kept quiet? 9. What does it mean to be your own medical advocate, and how do you find that voice when you are scared? 10. How does Safiyah now support other patients through MD Anderson's peer program and in her own community? 11. What does The Rose's patient navigation mean in practical terms for someone going through treatment alone? 12. How does humor, specifically Safiyah's custom T-shirts, function as a tool for connection and encouragement in treatment settings? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dorothy introduces the episode: Safiyah found a lump at 36 with no insurance, was referred to The Rose 10 days after her daughter turned 13, and qualified for Medicaid within weeks. 00:32 Dorothy describes Safiyah's treatment journey: chemo, surgery, radiation, hair loss, and hard conversations with two young children. She previews Safiyah's identity as a survivor who refuses to whisper. 01:51 Dorothy asks about the Phenomenal Women's event where Safiyah met Shannon McNair. Safiyah explains how a church event connected her to Nicole, who was donating proceeds to The Rose, and Safiyah shared her story. 02:38 Safiyah begins her story: January 2015, no insurance, a lump she felt and knew was not right. 03:10 Safiyah describes arriving at The Rose on January 5th, just three days after her daughter's 13th birthday, coming alone. 03:36 Safiyah explains a scheduling conflict: a court date for her daughter fell on the day scheduled for her biopsy. The Rose fit her in on a Wednesday, a day they do not normally do biopsies. 04:06 January 12, 2015: Safiyah receives her diagnosis. Invasive ductal carcinoma. 04:45 Dorothy asks how Safiyah knew to go in rather than wait. Safiyah describes several small moments, a missed earlier visit, a coworker's reaction to feeling the lump, that told her to take it seriously. 06:37 Dorothy notes Safiyah is nearly 10 to 11 years out. Safiyah confirms cancer free since July. 06:50 Safiyah talks about telling her daughter, then 13, about the diagnosis. Her daughter became an immediate and steady support, getting up at night to help without being asked. 08:09 Safiyah describes her treatment sequence: chemo first, then surgery, then radiation, then reconstruction. 08:30 Safiyah talks about hair loss. She cut her hair short before chemo started, went wig shopping with her sister as a fun outing, and found a way to own each phase of the look. 09:46 Dorothy asks how The Rose helped her get into treatment. Safiyah explains that a navigator told her not to pay for the insurance she was about to activate, and helped her qualify for breast cancer Medicaid instead. 10:41 Safiyah describes her determination to go to MD Anderson specifically, and the speed of the navigator's work. Diagnosed January 12, first MD Anderson appointment January 27. 11:33 Safiyah outlines the full treatment arc: one year of chemo including Herceptin, surgery, radiation, then reconstruction with one revision the following year. 12:23 Safiyah shares the lighter side of reconstruction. Her surgeon mentioned a tummy tuck was possible. She says that became her personal motivating bright spot. 12:55 Safiyah stopped working after her first round of chemo landed her in the hospital. Being home allowed her to be even more present for her kids. She now works from home. 13:40 Dorothy asks Safiyah to explain what she means by "a survivor who refuses to whisper." 13:55 Safiyah explains: refusing to whisper means being a voice so others know they do not have to walk alone. She describes cancer as something people mistake for a death sentence and calls herself a walking, talking testimony. 15:24 Dorothy asks whether Safiyah's optimism is inherited or developed. Safiyah says she has always been naturally optimistic and has always found purpose in speaking hope into others. 16:15 Safiyah talks about knowing family history. She was 36 at diagnosis, which means her daughter should start screening at 26. Her son also knows the full family history. 18:18 Safiyah shares that her mother had found a lump at 40 and never told anyone. Had she known, Safiyah would have started screening earlier. 19:08 Dorothy asks about Safiyah's faith. Safiyah describes the moment her father read her a prayer called "Let Go and Let God" the day she was diagnosed. That prayer became the anchor for her entire journey. 20:52 Safiyah traces several small moments she read as God's direction: the insurance paperwork timing, the court date resolving so she could focus on treatment, the Wednesday biopsy slot that should not have existed. 22:46 Dorothy reflects on how naturally encouragement flows from Safiyah. Safiyah describes stopping to talk to strangers, connecting with anyone she meets, and doing it with her kids watching, slightly impatiently. 23:44 Safiyah describes her signature T-shirt: letters rearranged to spell both "cancer" and "you too can survive." She explains it applies beyond cancer to anything hard. 25:11 Safiyah shares how her reach has expanded through family and friends passing along her name. She gets shirts custom made for people in treatment, including one that says "Cancer Chose the Wrong Diva." 26:14 Safiyah describes her radiation cohort. A woman she met daily during treatment was there the day Safiyah rang the bell. She still has photos. 26:42 Dorothy reveals this episode is recording on Safiyah's birthday. Safiyah explains why March 4th felt destined, and shows Dorothy a tattoo that reads "faith," marking January 12, 2015, her diagnosis date, as her "New Life Day." 27:41 Dorothy closes the conversation and confirms The Rose will keep Safiyah's name for patient peer support. Safiyah reiterates that The Rose gives people life and that she pours back into what was poured into her.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ginger Clark shares her personal journey battling breast cancer. Despite the challenges, she expresses gratitude and highlights the importance of early detection through regular mammograms. The episode also delves into rural healthcare issues, emphasizing the struggles small hospitals face in providing adequate services. Ginger speaks to Dorothy about healthcare access, particularly for uninsured women, and the complexity of reconstructive surgery decisions. On a broader scale, Ginger discusses the inception of Medicare and changes in the industry, reflecting on her involvement in various non-profits post-retirement. Aging, healthcare policies, and the significance of getting mammograms form the core of this insightful conversation. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1.) How does Ginger feel about medical interference and its consequences? 2.) What advice does Ginger Clark offer regarding cancer prevention? 3.) What important learning did Ginger gain from switching to Baylor's Stratus clinic? 4.) What critical risk for the elderly does Ginger mention? 5.) What options and decisions did Ginger face during her breast cancer treatment? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Retired from Exxon, involved in nonprofit work. 05:11 Access to health is important for everyone. Women have more health needs. Example: higher insurance costs for reproductive age. System inefficiencies lead to suboptimal results. 09:29 Eye-opening insights on healthcare and aging. 10:56 Exxon changed insurance, strategic maneuvering for cost control. 14:33 Early detection, family history, genetic link. 18:43 Surgeon explains reconstructive surgery procedure and expectations. 20:20 Young vs. old women's concerns, oncologist's insight. 25:51 Lack of women's healthcare access in rural areas. 28:01 Tragic article details fatal outcome of pregnancy. 29:55 Futile medical spending prolonging inevitable death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Susan has been connected to The Rose since the mid-1980s, when her boss at Texas Commerce Bank handed her a stack of newspaper articles and asked her to learn everything she could about a surgeon named Dr. Dixie Melillo. That assignment turned into a decades-long relationship with The Rose, years of emceeing fundraising style shows, and an unbroken commitment to the mission that continues today. She launched the Louise McBee Circle of Life Circle of Wreaths, an annual wreath auction run entirely by Art Park Players volunteers in honor of her mother. Her message throughout the years is simple, yet profound: everyone carries a light, and even the smallest flame can be the brightest thing in someone's darkest moment. Get involved with The Art Park Players here. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Susan's relationship with The Rose begin, and what role did Dr. Dixie Melillo play in building it? 2. What did The Rose's full continuum of care look like for Susan's mother after a breast cancer diagnosis in 1993? 3. How does The Rose support patients beyond surgery, including wigs, prosthetics, and emotional follow-through? 4. What is the Louise McBee Circle of Life Circle of Wreaths and why did Susan start it? 5. How have Art Park Players volunteers sustained a community fundraiser for The Rose since 2001? 6. What is Art Park Players, and how does it serve children, families, and volunteers across the Houston area? 7. How does community word-of-mouth and sustained volunteer loyalty fuel The Rose's mission year after year? 8. Why does Susan send both insured and uninsured women to The Rose, and why does that distinction matter for the organization's funding? 9. How does a small annual fundraiser like a wreath auction contribute meaningfully to The Rose's operating budget? 10. What advice does Susan offer to people who feel their contribution is too small to matter? 11. How does Susan connect her work at Art Park Players with the same values of service, dignity, and community that drive The Rose? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dorothy introduces Susan Mele: 45 years with Art Park Players, decades of Rose support, her mother's breast cancer journey with Dr. Melillo, and the annual wreath fundraiser named in her mother's honor. 00:52 Dorothy delivers the episode CTA: share this episode and donate at therose.org. 01:38 Dorothy asks Susan to start with herself. Susan describes a lifelong passion for performing, being adopted at 16 days old, and parents who nurtured her drive while grounding her in service and faith. 02:50 Dorothy asks how Susan first learned about The Rose. 02:55 Susan describes working for Tom Watson at Texas Commerce Bank in the mid-1980s. He had her clip every newspaper article she could find about Dr. Dixie Melillo, which led to Dixie joining the bank's board of directors and Susan meeting both Dorothy and Dixie. 03:29 Dorothy notes this connection goes back to 1986 or 1987. 03:47 Susan reflects on what drew her in: the compassion she saw in Dorothy and Dixie, and the contrast between how cancer was perceived in the 1980s and what The Rose was actually doing for women. 05:01 Dorothy recalls The Rose's earliest survivor volunteers and the environment Dixie created, including the time they could not say the word "breast" on television or radio. 05:44 Dorothy asks if breast cancer has touched Susan personally. 05:47 Susan describes her mother's 1993 breast cancer diagnosis. She brought her immediately to Dr. Melillo and The Rose. 06:20 Susan describes her mother's treatment: mastectomy on one side, lumpectomy on the other. Her mother declined reconstructive surgery and was afraid of hair loss. 06:55 Susan describes The Rose's follow-through after surgery: a referral to a wig specialist, fittings for prosthetic breasts and special bras, and ongoing mental and emotional support. Her mother survived. 08:02 Dorothy asks whether that experience deepened Susan's involvement with The Rose. 09:09 Susan describes how the Style Shows worked: store fittings, themed productions, silent auctions, and a community turnout that she believes turned many attendees into lifelong Rose supporters. 10:08 Dorothy asks Susan to recall a favorite Style Show moment. Both remember the 1960s hippie theme as particularly memorable. 11:56 Susan reflects on how events like the Style Show built lasting community investment in The Rose. 12:31 Dorothy asks Susan to talk about Art Park Players. 14:38 Susan describes joining in 1980 as a volunteer vocal coach, working for seven years without pay, then moving to part-time work at $6.50 an hour. She recognized her true calling was not performing but watching children find their voices and confidence. 15:01 Susan describes Art Park Players today: 250 students per semester, the largest children's theater in the city, the largest volunteer base in Deer Park, a Carnival Cruise performance group, a competition troupe through Theater Network of Texas, and scholarship and internship programs. 17:23 Susan describes fundraising within the theater: raising money for student travel, competitions, scholarships, and a private donor who quietly funds costumes and tuition for children whose families cannot afford them. 18:32 Susan reflects on being asked by Sue Finley Myers to carry on the mission when she retired. 18:55 Dorothy asks if students must be Deer Park residents. Susan says no, and describes students traveling from Humble, Cypress, Clear Lake, the Woodlands, and Friendswood. 20:19 Susan confirms Art Park Players is still a dinner theater and the only full year-round dinner theater in the Houston area. She shares that food brings in the husbands. 20:45 Dorothy asks Susan to describe the annual Rose fundraiser. 20:52 Susan describes the origin of the wreath auction: in 2001, volunteers wanted to do something meaningful and creative for The Rose. Inspired by a Circle of Trees event she had helped organize, she proposed handmade wreaths, a never-ending circle with symbolic meaning. 22:52 Susan explains the format: a fall wreath auction for show audiences and a Christmas wreath auction for theater families. Anyone can donate a wreath, and the offerings have grown to include wooden signs, stands, and centerpieces. 24:11 Dorothy confirms the event happens in fall and at Christmas. 24:20 Susan describes a piece made by a longtime volunteer woodworker that now sits in The Rose's lobby, bearing her mother's name. She says friends who come to The Rose for mammograms send her photos of it. 26:36 Susan says the Louise McBee Circle of Life Circle of Wreaths will continue as long as she is alive, regardless of the dollar amount raised. 26:53 Dorothy notes the fundraiser has now run for over 24 years. 27:07 Susan points out that Art Park Players was involved with The Rose even before 2001, through the Style Show partnership in the 1990s, totaling well over three decades of support. 27:33 Dorothy asks Susan's favorite Art Park production. 29:43 Dorothy closes the interview and reflects on the richness of Susan's story. 30:50 Susan shares her final message: everyone is valuable, everyone is worthy, and everyone carries a light. No matter how small the flame, it can be the brightest thing in someone's darkest moment, and that light is hope.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you talk about breast cancer when it’s something your community rarely discusses, sometimes because of culture, sometimes because of faith, and sometimes just because it’s hard? Salima Hirani faced breast cancer not just as a patient, but as a mother, a daughter, and someone who knew the taboos around speaking up. In this episode: - You’ll hear how Salima found her own voice in a world that often keeps silent. - You’ll learn how faith and culture shape conversations about cancer in the family. - You’ll find out how sharing your story can help break stigma and help someone else feel less alone. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Salima first discover her breast cancer and when was she diagnosed? 2. What was Salima’s initial reaction upon being told she had breast cancer? 3.How did Salima share her diagnosis with her children and what were their reactions? 4. What was Salima’s treatment journey for breast cancer? 5. How did Salima’s children support her during her cancer journey? 6. What taboos or social challenges did Salima encounter in her community regarding breast cancer? 7. Why do some women in Salima’s community avoid breast cancer screening or mammograms? 8. How does Salima recommend supporting other women facing a breast cancer diagnosis? 9. What advice does Salima offer to her community about breast cancer awareness and prevention? 10. How does Salima view the importance of forming support groups and community awareness initiatives? Timestamped Overview 00:00 "Breaking Taboos on Breast Cancer" 06:05 Cancer Chart Reviewer Experience 07:59 Quick Errand Across Street 10:19 Single Parent's Concerns for Kids 13:26 Sibling Misunderstanding Spurs Emotions 17:48 "Nurse Overcomes MRI Anxiety" 21:06 "Personal Choice for Peace" 26:10 Private Strength Amid Diagnosis 29:23 "Prioritize Health Screenings Now" 31:12 Silent Support Network 34:41 Engaging Older Generations in Health Conversations 38:38 Addressing Health Concerns Early 39:51 Silent Struggle: Family's Cancer Journey 43:42 Breast Cancer: Treatable at Any Stage 49:08 Empowering Dialogue for Women's Health 52:58 Breast Cancer Warriors UniteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

En este episodio, hablamos con Maribel, sobreviviente de cáncer de mama diagnosticada en The Rose. Maribel comparte cómo el cáncer de su hermana menor fue una señal de alerta que la motivó a realizarse una mamografía sin seguro médico. Gracias a la ayuda de The Rose, pudo recibir un diagnóstico a tiempo, lo que fue crucial para su tratamiento. Maribel nos cuenta sobre los desafíos emocionales, la pérdida de cabello, y su decisión de someterse a una mastectomía, destacando el apoyo de su familia y la transformación que vivió. Hoy, nos deja un mensaje de esperanza y nos recuerda la importancia de la prevención, especialmente para las mujeres latinas. Escucha este episodio y conoce la historia de Maribel, una inspiración para tomar acción con su salud. Preguntas clave respondidas en el episodio: ¿Cómo descubrió Maribel que tenía cáncer de mama y cuál fue el papel de The Rose en su diagnóstico? ¿Qué papel jugó el cáncer de su hermana en su decisión de realizarse la mamografía a pesar de no tener seguro médico? ¿Cuáles fueron los mayores desafíos emocionales y físicos durante el tratamiento, incluyendo la pérdida de cabello y la mastectomía? ¿Cómo impactó el diagnóstico de cáncer en la relación de Maribel con sus hijos y esposo? ¿Cómo se transformó Maribel a través de su experiencia con el cancer? ¿Cuál es su mensaje para otras mujeres latinas que aún no se hacen sus chequeos? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marilyn is an attorney, CPA, and president of the Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation, the private foundation whose generosity helped build The Rose's podcast studio. She has been a Rose patient since the late 1970s, when she came in for her very first mammogram after moving to Houston. Decades later, she found herself in a very different role, as a Stage III HER2 positive breast cancer patient. Her advice is simple and direct: check yourself between mammograms, get second opinions, take care of yourself first, and know that The Rose and organizations like it exist so that every woman, insured or not, has a path to care. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How can a woman with a clean mammogram and ultrasound develop stage three breast cancer within eight months? 2. What does HER2 positive breast cancer mean and how does it affect treatment options? 3. What does a full 18-month breast cancer treatment plan look like, from the Red Devil through post-op chemo? 4. What are the visible side effects of aggressive chemo, including hair, nail, and eyebrow loss, and how do women manage them while working? 5. How did Marilyn continue working through 18 months of treatment and what did that decision do for her mentally? 6. What is the cold cap and why do some patients choose not to use it? 7. What are the stakes of declining post-op treatment, and how should a woman weigh a 45 percent recurrence risk? 8. How does a very private, high-achieving career woman learn to accept help, say no, and make herself the priority? 9. What role does the Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation play in supporting The Rose's mission, including the podcast studio? 10. How does self-exam between annual mammograms save lives, and why does Marilyn emphasize it so strongly? 11. What practical advice does Marilyn offer to women facing a breast cancer diagnosis for the first time? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dorothy introduces Marilyn Sims: attorney, CPA, president of the Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation, and the donor behind the podcast studio. She previews Marilyn's stage three HER2 positive diagnosis, 18 months of treatment, and her evolution from private person to open advocate. 00:52 Dorothy describes Marilyn's treatment arc and the shift in her willingness to talk publicly. Episode CTA delivered. 01:49 Dorothy welcomes Marilyn on air and thanks the Crowder Foundation for the studio gift. 02:22 Marilyn gives the history of the Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation: established in 1998 under Bill's will, started with $3.5 million, has given away $6 million over 28 years, and still has millions remaining. 03:36 Marilyn explains Bill's passion for children's charities throughout his life, how the foundation was structured to give in perpetuity, and why Helen carried on that mission after his passing. 04:46 Marilyn explains why The Rose, while not a children's charity, fit the foundation's values. Children are affected by breast cancer, and the studio would carry Bill and Helen's legacy forward. 05:36 Dorothy reflects on the studio's impact, including young mothers sharing stories that reach other young women who don't know they could be at risk. 06:25 Marilyn shares that she first came to The Rose for her very first mammogram after moving to Houston in the late 1970s. 06:55 Dorothy asks about Marilyn's background. Marilyn traces her path from a small town to Pasadena, through night school, a business associate's degree at San Jacinto College, an accounting degree at UH Clear Lake, and ultimately to the University of Houston Law Center. 08:30 Marilyn explains how she chose estate planning over bankruptcy and litigation, combining her CPA credentials with her law degree at Ernst and Young before joining her current firm in 1993. 10:43 Dorothy moves to Marilyn's breast cancer story. Marilyn says she was shocked. She ate right, exercised, had no family history, and never anticipated a diagnosis. 11:24 Marilyn describes her screening history: annual mammograms, ultrasounds in recent years, and a clean scan in October 2023. 11:47 In August 2024, she felt a lump just before Labor Day. She made an appointment immediately. On September 13, 2024, she received her confirmed diagnosis. 12:47 Dorothy notes the cancer was particularly aggressive. Marilyn explains: HER2 positive, stage three, with lymph node involvement under the arm and in the neck, within eight months of her last clean scan. 13:30 Marilyn describes her treatment sequence: eight aggressive Red Devil chemo infusions every two weeks starting October 2nd, then mastectomy with same-day reconstruction on the right side, then 30 rounds of daily radiation. 14:58 Marilyn describes the post-op decision point. Scans came back clear, but declining the 14 lower-grade post-op chemo treatments carried a 45 percent recurrence risk. She chose to continue. She finished February 15th of this year. 15:50 Dorothy congratulates her. Marilyn reflects on the predictable rhythm of the later treatments: okay on day one, fine on day two, flu-like on day three, and cumulative fatigue over time. 16:56 Marilyn describes how she emailed her fellow shareholders the day she was diagnosed, asked to keep her routine, and worked through the full 18 months. Her colleagues' support gave her stamina and purpose. 18:00 Dorothy asks how many organizations Marilyn stays active in. Marilyn says staying busy and giving back, particularly to young women and girls, kept her mind off how serious things were. 18:55 Marilyn shares that she has no biological children but has long mentored young women. Her motivation for philanthropy is giving others the opportunity and role models she had access to. 19:35 Dorothy asks about Marilyn's support system. Marilyn credits her husband, who attended every single treatment, sometimes napping in the chair beside her, and her fully supportive office colleagues. 20:37 Marilyn describes the physical side effects of the Red Devil: hair loss, eyebrow and eyelash loss, fingernail and toenail loss, and varying neuropathy. She notes no two patients react the same way. 21:43 Marilyn explains the cold cap option, its time commitment of five to seven hours per treatment session, and the lack of guarantees. She chose wigs instead. 22:29 Dorothy notes that Marilyn's wig was convincing throughout treatment. Marilyn explains she had a custom wig made to match her hair before it fell out, then transitioned out of the wig after 18 months. Her hair grew back curly for the first time in her life. 23:41 Marilyn acknowledges the ongoing anxiety about recurrence and scans. She manages it with a deliberately positive mindset and a carry bag someone gave her early in treatment that reads "You Got This." 24:23 Marilyn describes how talking with other patients, even those with different symptoms and reactions, helped relieve anxiety and provided perspective. 24:59 Dorothy notes that Marilyn was once extremely private. Marilyn reflects on how treatment gradually opened her up, partly because of the sheer volume of medical appointments and people involved in her care. 26:41 Dorothy recalls watching the shift happen in real time. Marilyn explains the difference between being at the beginning of the tunnel versus the end, and how the inability to plan ahead was one of the hardest parts of treatment. 28:08 Dorothy observes that treatment forced Marilyn to stop being Superwoman. Marilyn agrees and names the lesson directly: career women push themselves to be everything to everyone, but you have to make yourself the priority first. 29:34 Dorothy asks if Marilyn sees herself as stronger now. Marilyn says not stronger exactly, but with a clearer sense of priorities, especially the importance of time and quality over constant activity. 30:09 Marilyn delivers her most direct advice: check yourself between mammograms. A year is a long time, and her cancer went from undetectable to stage three in eight months. 30:55 Marilyn advises listeners to explore all treatment options, get second opinions, and be clear with their care team about whether the goal is cure or minimal intervention. 32:20 Marilyn reflects on her insurance advantage and acknowledges how many women raising families and working jobs do not have the same options. She names The Rose's mobile units and reach across Texas as a critical resource. 33:04 Dorothy thanks Marilyn for the foundation's support and for coming on the show. Marilyn expresses genuine relief at being finished with treatment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Linda Petticrew is one determined woman. She’s worked hard and many long hours to build a stunning career as an Executive Assistant to some of the top CEO’s in the city. But her real strength tenacity was when she faced breast cancer, not once but twice. Diagnosed at a young age, she fought and won her battle and then twenty years later had to fight it again. During this episode, Linda talks about her experience. And she gets candid about her treatment in the workplace and the difference an employer can make in the life of someone dealing with treatment. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1.) How does maintaining a positive attitude and having a strong support system help in coping with a cancer diagnosis? 2.) Why are regular check-ups and screenings important for early detection and treatment of cancer? 3.) How can genetic testing provide valuable information for making informed decisions about preventive measures? 4.) What is the impact of cancer, beyond the individual and their entire family? Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Linda's Background 01:27 The Power of Executive Assistants and Supportive Work Environments 08:14 Maintaining a Positive Attitude and Overcoming Challenges 12:29 Genetic Testing and Preventive Measures 16:13 The Impact of Cancer on Family and Relationships 21:28 Prioritizing Family and Looking Towards the Future 23:17 Hope for a Cancer-Free FutureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Special Events Manager Shannon McNair takes us behind the scenes of The Rose’s annual Shrimp Boil, a nearly 40‑year tradition where fresh Gulf shrimp, auctions, raffles, and desserts turn a casual Saturday with 800 of your closest friends and family into a lifeline for breast health for women in our 45-county service area. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What is The Rose’s Shrimp Boil and how did it begin?2. Why does the event feel more like a family reunion than a formal gala?3. How do silent and live auctions, raffles, and kids’ activities all contribute to fundraising?4. What food is served besides shrimp, and how do desserts and kid‑friendly options fit in?5. How does the mobile bidding system make it easy to participate in the auction from anywhere?6. What roles do volunteers, committee members, and staff play in making the event a success?7. How can local businesses, families, and individuals donate items for the auction or dessert table?8. How are tickets, tables, sponsorships, and underwriting structured so both families and companies can join?9. Why are unrestricted dollars from this event so important for covering unexpected needs throughout the year?10. What is new this year in terms of date, theme, and logistics, and how can people get involved? Timestamped overview 00:00 Dorothy opens the show with the standard introduction to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts and The Rose’s mission. 00:49 Roxann welcomes Shannon and asks her to describe her role as special events manager. 01:01 Shannon explains overseeing signature events and third‑party fundraisers that support The Rose’s mission. 01:34 They introduce the Shrimp Boil as The Rose’s longest‑running and largest event, approaching its 40th year. 01:41 Shannon shares the origin story of a community‑driven boat raffle that evolved into a major annual fundraiser. 02:41 She describes the atmosphere as casual, indoors at the Pasadena Convention Center, with a family reunion feel and 600 or more attendees. 02:59 Roxann notes there is more than food involved; Shannon adds details about DJ, emcee, and auction. 03:08 Shannon outlines the silent auction: dozens of items ranging from small baskets to big experiences like trips and electric bikes. 03:48 She describes the live auction and the energy brought by the auctioneer, as well as a cash bar supported by beverage sponsors. 04:16 They detail photo booths, popcorn, kids’ games, and adult games like the liquor toss, emphasizing fun for all ages. 05:23 Shannon highlights that survivors, their families, staff, and supporters all mingle, creating generational participation. 05:36 They discuss past themes and introduce this year’s 60s‑inspired Peace, Love and The Rose theme. 05:50 Shannon encourages attendees to dress up as much or as little as they like, from flower crowns to full costumes. 06:42 Roxann asks about donating auction items; Shannon explains that anyone can contribute goods, services, or gift cards. 08:06 Shannon explains the mobile bidding system, how guests register, receive outbid alerts, and check out without long lines. 11:20 They talk about 50/50 raffles staffed by roller‑derby volunteers who sell tickets throughout the room. 12:20 Shannon describes the volunteer and committee structure behind the event, with different leaders owning specific areas like desserts, bar, and kids’ zone. 14:16 They dig into desserts: long tables of homemade and bakery‑donated treats, from sheet cakes to famous pineapple upside‑down cakes. 17:01 Shannon notes that hot dogs and kids’ meals are available for those who do not or cannot eat shrimp. 17:48 Roxann notes the date change; Shannon explains moving to August 8 this year and mentions fresh Gulf shrimp as a highlight. 18:49 Shannon outlines pricing for individual tickets, tables, and sponsorship levels, plus underwriting options for specific elements like the photo booth. 19:56 They discuss buying tickets in advance versus at the door, as well as curbside pickup and why reserved tables work best for groups. 21:41 Roxann asks how the money is used; Shannon emphasizes the importance of unrestricted funds that help ensure no woman is turned away from care. 22:21 They recap the essential details and invite listeners to attend, volunteer, or donate to support the mission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Her chance of dying from breast cancer is 50% higher than other women. She has a family history and she’s Black. But that’s not stopping Kim Roxie from changing the odds. Kim is a staunch supporter of The Rose and founder of LAMIK Beauty, a makeup line for women of color made with vegan, natural and organic ingredients. During this conversation, Dorothy talks with Kim about her mother, who lost her fight with breast cancer, and how she’s rallying the Black community to join the battle against cancer. Help us grow the show by subscribing to the show and sharing with your family and friends. And please consider supporting our mission at therose.org. Your donation could help save the life of an uninsured woman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A casual night watching sports, a quick breast self-exam, and a lump that did not belong there. Faced with no insurance and four months of not knowing what to do, Felicia Kent walked into a neighborhood clinic, received a referral to The Rose, and heard the three words that changed everything: you have cancer. In this episode, she talks about choosing a treatment center, using research and strict adherence to medication to blunt chemo side effects, and learning to live with radiation fatigue, lymphedema, neuropathy, and a body that will never be the same. She also shares how faith, a determined daughter, an emotional support dog, and a calling to serve other survivors led her to start a nonprofit, finish her psychology degree, and focus on practical support and early mammograms in the African American community. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Felicia find her lump and what kept her from seeking help immediately? 2. How does someone without insurance get from a neighborhood clinic to The Rose for diagnostic care? 3. What does it feel like to hear “you have cancer,” and how did Felicia share that news with her family? 4. How did she choose a treatment center and manage chemo, surgery, and radiation side effects day to day? 5. What practical strategies helped her reduce chemo side effects like nausea, mouth sores, and nosebleeds? 6. How is she now supporting other patients through a nonprofit, church outreach, and peer-to-peer work? 7. Why are mindset, faith, and social support so critical during and after breast cancer treatment? 8. How is she raising awareness about mammograms and access within the African American community? 9. What long-term issues like lymphedema, neuropathy, and fear of recurrence does she still live with? 10. How does an emotional support dog, movement, and counseling help manage post-treatment anxiety? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Episode opens, Felicia’s story as an uninsured survivor who reached The Rose through a neighborhood clinic is introduced.01:20 Guest host Shannon McNair welcomes Felicia and asks how she discovered her lump and used self-exams.01:40 Felicia describes finding the lump by chance, lacking insurance, and remembering The Rose from boutique work.02:40 She visits a nearby clinic, receives an immediate referral to The Rose, and later credits the team with saving her life.04:30 Telling her sister, leaning on prayer, and deciding early to be a testimony for others facing cancer.06:20 What she wishes she had known about treatment, side effects, and why she followed medication instructions exactly.07:40 Lesser-discussed chemo and radiation side effects like mouth sores, nosebleeds, and fluid issues, and how she managed them.08:40 Birth of her nonprofit work, finishing a psychology degree during treatment, and pursuing community health worker training.09:50 Current advocacy: blogs, peer-to-peer conversations, holiday outreach, and small gifts to patients during treatment.10:40 Common questions she hears about insurance, alternatives, and staying positive through harsh treatments.12:10 How to support someone with cancer when you do not know what to say, including quiet presence and simple statements of love.13:40 Encouraging friends and family to show up with meals, learning, and practical help, while survivors learn to express what they need.16:30 Holiday and year-round programs for patients, including Christmas deliveries, Valentine outreach, and church-based change collections for donations to The Rose.19:10 Focus on education and early detection in the African American community, especially for younger women and those wary of treatment.20:30 Balancing chemo, lumpectomy, graduation, radiation, and then managing fluid buildup and other late effects.23:50 How an emotional support dog, daily walks, and therapy help manage anxiety and fear of recurrence after treatment.26:00 Decision to delay reconstruction, experiences losing a young niece and a church member to breast cancer, and why that fuels her advocacy.27:20 She reflects on cancer as an ongoing learning experience, the importance of mental health care, and continuing in support groups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marcella Herrera from the Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center joins the show to talk about the ways their all-volunteer staff helps survivors thrive after fighting the battle of their lives. During this episode, you'll learn about the wide array of programs offered, as well as the importance of having an empathetic shoulder to lean on (that's not a relative). And finally, Marcella tells Dorothy why providing support for survivors and their families could be the most important medicine. Learn more about the Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center here. Help us grow the show by leaving a review on your podcast platform and sharing with your family and friends. And please consider supporting our mission at therose.org. Your help could help save the life of an uninsured woman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some women clear their calendar for a mammogram. Others step onto a 40-foot pink coach in their office parking lot. As director of mobile services at The Rose, Shelly Kot oversees a five-coach fleet that delivers the same 3D screening you’d get in a center to women across 45 counties in Southeast Texas. During this conversation, she talks about the moving parts that keep those rolling clinics on the road, the sick feeling when a generator or quality check shuts a day down, and why she still puts on a badge and does mammograms herself. She also shares how being raised by her grandparents, working inside both nonprofit and for-profit systems, and parenting a daughter shapes the way she teaches women to push for answers when something feels wrong. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How does The Rose’s mobile mammography program work for workplaces, churches, and schools? 2. What is the difference between screening on a coach and services at a breast center? 3. How far do The Rose’s five mobile coaches travel across Southeast Texas? 4. What happens when a mobile coach or critical equipment breaks down on screening day? 5. How do quality checks on the road protect patients and keep standards high? 6. Why did Shelly choose radiology and then specialize in mammography? 7. What did she learn working in both nonprofit and for-profit breast centers? 8. How does she support fearful patients during mammograms and biopsies? 9. What life lessons from her grandmother guide how she works and leads? 10. What does it mean for women to advocate for themselves when something feels wrong in their bodies? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Episode begins, mobile mammography program introduced.02:00 Role overseeing five mobile coaches and 45 counties.03:00 How workplaces, schools, and partners schedule a mobile coach.03:30 Same 3D technology on coaches as in The Rose’s centers.05:00 Breakdowns, generators, and failed quality checks that can cancel a full day.06:00 Daily quality control on moving coaches and why it matters.07:30 Choosing radiology, then focusing on mammography and caring for women.11:00 Seeing the difference between nonprofit and for-profit breast centers.13:00 A typical mobile day, early starts, and full screening schedules.14:00 Why she still performs mammograms as a director to stay close to patients.17:30 The Rose’s mission to serve insured and uninsured women alike.19:30 Life with a police officer husband and their “no work talk” rule.20:30 Being raised by her grandparents and lessons from her grandmother.23:00 Hopes for her daughter’s health and self-advocacy.24:30 Core life lesson about kindness and the lasting impact of words.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jennifer Parrish, Manager of Business Services at the Lighthouse of Houston, joins Dorothy to share her story. Parrish talks about managing work at the Lighthouse of Houston, overcoming transportation issues for treatments, and addressing misconceptions around breast cancer. Despite facing breast cancer, legal blindness, and personal loss, Jennifer's resilience and positive attitude shine. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and seeks to inspire others through The Lighthouse’s podcast, Sightless Voices, Unleashing Potential. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1.) What was Jennifer Parrish's oncotype score, and what did it imply? 2.) Why did Jennifer Parrish opt for surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes? 3.) How did Jennifer Parrish rate the difficulty of her breast cancer journey? 4.) Did Jennifer Parrish have time to grieve her father's passing? 5.) What challenges did Jennifer Parrish face in navigating healthcare facilities and appointments? 6.) What actions did Jennifer Parrish take to make her cancer experience more enjoyable? 7.) How did Jennifer Parrish manage her work during radiation therapy and her cancer treatments? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Jennifer Parrish: Inspiring journey overcoming challenges, inspiring empowerment. 03:40 Moved for better opportunities, settled in Houston. 06:41 Navigating challenges delays mammogram for blind patient. 09:46 Family support and friendships during cancer treatment. 15:11 Podcast helps raise awareness about cancer support services. 15:56 Used Google Maps, brushed up on Spanish. 22:11 Blindness intertwined with breast cancer challenge, manageable. 25:35 Need to relax more during recovery time. 27:00 Overheating scare during daily afternoon walk. 31:01 Understanding real issues fosters connection and empathy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

En este episodio, conversamos con la Dra. Cotes, radióloga experta en salud mamaria, para aclarar muchos de los mitos y preocupaciones comunes que existen sobre la mamografía. Desde la temida radiación hasta los diferentes tipos de exámenes disponibles, la Dra. Cotes nos explica de manera sencilla cómo la mamografía es una herramienta segura y crucial para detectar el cáncer de mama en etapas tempranas. Además, hablamos sobre el impacto de la densidad mamaria y la importancia de los exámenes anuales, así como las últimas innovaciones tecnológicas, como la resonancia magnética y los ultrasonidos, que ayudan a mejorar los diagnósticos. Si tiene duda sobre su salud mamaria o la mamografía, este episodio es para usted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being uninsured, speaking a different language, or not understanding a 40-page form should never decide who lives or dies. In this episode, patient navigators Laura Tovar and Elizabeth Esparza walk us through what really happens after an uninsured woman hears “you have breast cancer” at The Rose. They explain how they review applications before diagnosis, sit in the room with the radiologist, and answer the first question they always hear: “How am I going to pay for this?” They also talk about the maze behind assistance programs for uninsured patients, what it takes to keep coverage from lapsing in the middle of chemo, and the impossible choices some families face during their breast cancer journey. Along the way, Laura and Elizabeth share what it costs them emotionally to carry these stories, why they sometimes cry with husbands and children, and how quilts, gas cards, summer camps, and rent assistance become part of making sure no woman has to face breast cancer or the paperwork alone. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What does “patient navigation to treatment” mean at The Rose, and how is it different from scheduling or basic navigation? 2. How do Laura and Elizabeth first learn about a woman, and what happens between her initial mammogram and a positive diagnosis? 3. What are the main treatment access programs for uninsured women in this episode (Harris Health/Gold Card and Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer)? 4. Who qualifies for Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer, and how do income, age, citizenship, and “working quarters” factor in? 5. Why do many newly diagnosed women worry more about cost and payment than about the cancer itself? 6. How do navigators match patients with facilities and oncology practices that actually accept their specific Medicaid HMO plan? 7. What happens when Medicaid coverage lapses during chemo, and how do Laura and Elizabeth intervene to get treatment restarted? 8. How do they explain a breast cancer diagnosis differently to small children, teenagers, and spouses, and why are husbands often the most visibly shaken? 9. What are some of the hardest situations they see, including women moving counties or divorcing to meet eligibility rules, or being asked for large deposits to start chemo? 10. How do Laura and Elizabeth support patients with complex applications, missing documents, language barriers, and repeated denials from eligibility offices? 11. What other practical resources do they connect families to, such as food assistance, utility and rent support, camps for kids, gas cards, wigs, bras, and comfort items? 12. How do they cope with the emotional toll of this work while trying to remain steady for patients and their families? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dorothy opens with how insurance status, language, and paperwork can determine who lives or dies, and introduces patient navigators Laura Tovar and Elizabeth Esparza.01:45 Laura and Elizabeth share how long they have been at The Rose and the roles they held before moving into patient navigation to treatment.02:35 Dorothy explains “sponsorship” as intake for assistance programs and why The Rose avoids the word “charity.”03:10 Elizabeth defines patient navigation to treatment as helping mostly uninsured, newly diagnosed women find a path into actual cancer care.03:50 Elizabeth describes reviewing applications a day or two before diagnosis to anticipate which treatment program might fit.04:25 Laura walks through what happens on the day a woman learns she has breast cancer and how navigators stay with her after the radiologist leaves.05:30 Elizabeth outlines key treatment programs: Harris Health (Gold Card) for county residents and Medicaid for Breast and Cervical Cancer (MBCC).06:00 Laura and Elizabeth explain MBCC eligibility, including age limits, income guidelines, citizenship, legal residency, five-year residency rules, and working quarters.08:20 They describe the questions women ask first after diagnosis, centered on cost, payment, and whether existing coverage at The Rose will extend to treatment.09:20 Laura explains why The Rose refers many MBCC patients to Texas Oncology and how they choose facilities that accept specific Medicaid HMO plans.10:30 They discuss how confusing HMO choices and insurance concepts are for women who have never had coverage and fear they will have to “pay it back.”11:20 Dorothy notes that many major cancer hospitals do not accept these plans, increasing reliance on a smaller network of providers.12:00 Laura and Elizabeth talk about the need to renew Medicaid every 12 months, how patients can forget during treatment, and what happens when coverage expires mid-chemo.12:35 They describe calling Medicaid, troubleshooting reasons for termination, and sometimes getting coverage reinstated within days.13:40 Dorothy asks how much information patients actually absorb at diagnosis; Laura and Elizabeth estimate many do not hear most of what is said.14:10 Laura explains follow-up calls, longer consultations, and sometimes separate visits to help spouses and children understand the diagnosis and plan.15:10 They share that husbands often cry more than patients because they feel helpless and unable to “fix” the situation or pay for care.16:30 Elizabeth describes how they tailor explanations for children by age, avoiding the word “cancer” with very young kids and framing treatment as strong medicine.17:10 They talk about the emotional toll of this work, the difficulty of holding in tears, and moments when they cry alongside patients.18:20 Dorothy raises the growing number of women who do not meet changing criteria for key programs and need entirely different solutions.18:55 Elizabeth describes families uprooting their lives to move into Harris County so they can qualify for Harris Health coverage.19:40 Dorothy notes some women feel forced to divorce to reduce household income enough to meet eligibility rules.20:20 They mention stopgap strategies like GoFundMe campaigns, cash-pay arrangements, and sliding-scale clinics that still remain expensive for women living paycheck to paycheck.21:20 Laura and Elizabeth share examples of women being asked for large deposits, including a $15,000 payment to begin chemotherapy.22:10 They discuss the complexity and length of application packets like the Harris Health form and why careful completion matters.22:40 Laura explains how nerves cause patients to make simple errors—wrong dates, missing boxes—that delay approval for months.23:30 They describe helping women who were diagnosed elsewhere but come to The Rose for help with Gold Card or other eligibility obstacles.24:10 Laura outlines how they review documents, join three-way calls with agencies, and clarify what paperwork is actually missing.24:50 Elizabeth explains why they personally deliver applications to eligibility centers instead of relying on patients who lack transportation or time.25:35 Dorothy reflects on her earlier belief that a diagnosis and pathology report would be enough, and how language and bureaucracy proved otherwise.26:20 She recalls that the realization of repeated denials and confusion led directly to creating the Patient Navigation to Treatment program.27:15 Elizabeth shares work with Rice University and Camp Kesem to connect children of cancer patients with supportive summer programs.28:10 Laura and Elizabeth list other resources they connect families to, including food banks, rent and utility help, medication support, gas cards, wigs, bras, prostheses, and comfort bags.29:20 Dorothy highlights the impact of donated quilts, heart pillows, and small items that remind women someone cares about them.30:00 Laura and Elizabeth admit that the work is overwhelming at times, especially when they cannot find a path to treatment for a particular woman.30:30 Dorothy closes by emphasizing that, for most uninsured patients, Laura and Elizabeth are the bridge to treatment and invites listeners to recognize and support this work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jennifer Pareya's support for The Rose spans more than twenty years and it all started with her mom’s breast cancer experience. Jennifer’s mom, Judy, was diagnosed at The Rose and after beating breast cancer, she insisted on the family giving back. And they’ve done so tenfold. From fundraisers at the Lighthouse Pub to Bikers Against Breast Cancer, they’ve spent many years advocating on behalf of uninsured women in Texas. Now, she champions the adult beverage stand at the iconic Shrimp Boil. But it’s more than that. Jennifer understands the life-saving importance of mammograms and encourages insured women to schedule their mammograms at The Rose so that uninsured women can be seen as well. It's a simple act that makes a big impact. Learn more at therose.org/shrimpboil. Key Questions Answered 1.) How has Jennifer Pareya and her family supported The Rose for over two decades? 2.) Why is it important for Jennifer to bring two insured women with her to her mammogram appointments? 3.) What are Jennifer’s favorite moments from past Shrimp Boils? Chapters 00:00 Jennifer's Fundraising Journey 02:44 The Shrimp Bowl: A Fun and Successful Fundraiser 03:40 Giving Back to the Rose 07:06 Jennifer's Strategy for Fundraising 09:29 The Impact of the Rose and Paying It Forward 10:53 Special Memories at the Shrimp BoilSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nonprofit leaders dream of someone walking in and saying, “I’m going to give you a million dollars.” Very few ever see it happen. In this episode, a longtime supporter explains why she chose to fund multiple mobile coaches, help open an East Texas Regional Service Center, and seed The Rose’s Mammogram to Medical Home program instead of paying for brick and mortar. She talks about dividing her mother’s unrestricted giving fund among education, medical care, and conservation, and why she looks for small organizations whose work sends “tentacles” into whole communities and generations. From a women’s bakery in Africa that feeds thousands of children and sends girls to school, to knowledge mobiles, orphaned elephants, and seed grants for students, she returns over and over to one idea: food and health give people a chance at any future. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. Why did this donor decide to fund mobile mammography coaches instead of buildings or equipment alone? 2. What led her to support The Rose’s Mammogram to Medical Home program for uninsured women without a doctor? 3. How does she evaluate nonprofits and decide where her giving can reach the most people? 4. What impact has her support had on The Rose’s reach across rural counties in Texas? 5. How does the women’s bakery in Africa change entire families and communities over time? 6. Why is conservation, especially in Africa, a core part of her philanthropy? 7. How have personal family health issues shaped her interest in medical research and smaller organizations? Time-stamped Overview 00:00 Episode begins, Dorothy welcomes a returning donor and recaps her support for coaches, machines, and the East Texas hub.01:00 Dorothy remembers the first meeting, meant to discuss Hispanic outreach, that turned into a million-plus-dollar commitment.03:00 Donor explains why she dislikes brick-and-mortar projects and pushed instead for funding a mobile coach.04:00 She shares why serving uninsured and Hispanic communities and multiple rural counties made the coach gift feel right.05:00 She describes hearing from a friend whose East Side clinics routinely send women to The Rose.06:40 Background on the unrestricted giving fund her mother left, and how she divided it among education, medical care, and conservation.07:30 Story of the women’s bakery in Africa, where uneducated women become bakers, feed thousands of children, and send girls to school.09:30 Benny’s journey from hungry child to baker and first in his family to pursue higher education.12:00 Why she prefers projects with “tentacles” that ripple across generations rather than one-time efforts.13:15 Family roots in geological conservation and how that grew into wildlife and environmental work in Africa.14:30 Description of funding “knowledge mobiles” in Botswana that teach children and teachers about animals and conservation.15:30 Support for vehicles and projects in Madagascar and elsewhere that combine conservation, education, and livelihoods.16:45 How a first trip to Kenya and later bird-watching deepened her awareness of poverty and need.18:00 Why she values organizations where 100 percent of donations flow directly to field partners.19:00 How she vets small organizations through trusted partners and prefers to give seed money.21:00 Dorothy recalls how the donor also seeded the Mammogram to Medical Home program after a declined grant.22:00 Structure of the Mammogram to Medical Home model and why it is unusual in mammography.23:30 Donor shares why reducing fear and complexity for uninsured women matters so much to her.24:20 She reflects on being raised to help people regardless of background and to treat everyone with respect.24:50 Dorothy describes how the coaches and the Lufkin hub expanded The Rose’s reach far beyond Houston.26:00 Dorothy notes the donor’s humility and curiosity, always learning servers’ stories and quietly backing new programs.27:30 Donor shares her introverted childhood and how marriage nudged her into connection and a wide circle of friends.28:20 She considers future giving priorities, including food security on Native reservations and broader food and health efforts.30:30 Examples of seed grants for arts and music students at universities who lack funds for travel, internships, and competitions.31:30 Final reflection that food and health give people a foundation for any future, followed by closing thanks and call to support The Rose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dorothy sits down with Dr. Wei Yang, a renowned professor and breast radiologist. Dr. Yang emphasizes the significance of mammography, recommending annual screening starting at age 40 for women at average risk. During this conversation, you’ll hear about the benefits of digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) and breast MRI for women at elevated risk, highlighting the positive outcomes associated with early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Yang underscores the importance of early detection and the role of emerging technologies, such as contrast-enhanced mammograms and artificial intelligence, in improving breast imaging, and more. Her personal story is as interesting as the work she is doing to level the playing field for all women, insured or uninsured. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What is the importance of breast cancer screening, and what are Dr. Yang's recommendations for mammography screening? 2. How do digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) and breast MRI benefit women at elevated risk of breast cancer? 3. What are the positive outcomes associated with early-stage breast cancer diagnosis, and why is early detection so crucial? 4. What new technologies, such as contrast-enhanced mammograms and artificial intelligence, are emerging to improve breast imaging? Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:16 Choosing Radiology and Specializing in Breast Imaging 05:40 Different Screening Modalities in Breast Cancer 07:00 Understanding Digital Breast Tomosynthesis 09:55 The Role of Breast MRI in High-Risk Women 14:11 Diagnostic Workup for Abnormal Mammograms 18:50 Exploring New Technologies in Breast Imaging 20:42 Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Medicine 21:09 Navigating Gender Asymmetry in Medicine 22:36 Supporting Patients and Delivering Clear Communication 25:31 The Importance of Forgiving Self and Taking One Step at a Time 28:23 Hopes for the Future and the Importance of Passion 30:14 Encouraging Women to Prioritize Their HealthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During this mashup episode, you’ll hear from supporters of Hats and Henna High Tea, a community driven event that celebrates survivors, supports patients, and raises critical funds for The Rose. These are supporters, caregivers, and champions. They talk about mothers and mothers in law facing breast cancer, the sacrifices families make, and the resilience that shows up in hospital rooms, small businesses, and dance floors. Hats and Henna Hight Tea brings culture, art, and local leadership together to focus on The Rose’s mission. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. Who helps bring Hats and Henna to life and why this event matters so deeply to them. 2. How Lin Lin connects restaurant ownership and radio work with advocating for women’s health and mammograms. 3. How breast cancer in the family shaped Iman’s decision to start her own jewelry business and live with more courage. 4. What lessons a young person can carry for life after watching a loved one go through breast cancer treatment. 5. Why Sami believes The Rose stands out among charities working in breast cancer and community health. 6. How Hats and Henna helps raise both awareness and funds for mammograms and navigation services. 7. How Parita used dance to cope with her mother’s diagnosis and to create a supportive community around performance. 8. What it means for children and teens to give up activities and relocate in order to support a parent in treatment. 9. How loss shaped Somya’s commitment to working with The Rose and reaching more families earlier. 10. Why every story at Hats and Henna comes back to the message that self care and early diagnosis can change outcomes. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Episode and event introduction, focus on community stories00:40 Lin Lin on women’s self care, mammograms, and partnership02:00 Iman on Ashma’s journey, family resilience, and starting a business04:20 Sami on why he supports The Rose and Hats and Henna05:40 Parita on leaving Chicago, dancing through her mom’s chemo06:50 Somya on losing her mother in law and finding purpose with The Rose08:00 Closing reflections, gratitude, and reminder that self care is essentialSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diagnosed with breast cancer while living a health-conscious lifestyle, Nancy Martch aggressively battled her Stage 3B diagnosis head-on. Now, leveraging her yoga expertise, Nancy empowers others through personalized yoga therapy, blending acceptance and self-awareness into her healing approach. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Nancy discover her breast cancer? 2. What kind of lifestyle was Nancy leading when she was diagnosed with cancer? 3. How has yoga helped Nancy cope with her cancer diagnosis and treatments? 4. Which specific yoga poses does Nancy find beneficial for relaxation and stress reduction? 5. What is the importance of self-assessment in yoga according to Nancy? 6. What is the role of non-competitive self-acceptance in Nancy's yoga practice? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Yoga therapy is personalized; classes are generalized. 05:04 Yoga integrates body awareness and lifelong practice. 07:37 Advocate for yourself; misdiagnosis taught me. 12:50 Acceptance and awareness: adapting self-care through challenges. 13:57 Breathing techniques helped manage panic effectively. 20:03 Teaching relaxation and breath exercises for self-use. 22:33 Yoga is adaptable and tailored to individual needs. 26:12 Diagnosis doesn't define us; posture can improve. 28:22 Self-love empowers us to support ourselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After losing her mother to de novo metastatic breast cancer, Elise turned grief into long term advocacy and board service at The Rose. She demystifies modern metastatic care, clinical trials, and lifelong treatment while urging women of every age to push for screenings and answers. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. 10 Key Questions Answered 1. How Elise became involved with The Rose board and metastatic breast cancer advocacy. 2. What happened during her mother’s initial breast cancer diagnosis and why it was classified as de novo metastatic. 3. How metastatic breast cancer treatment looked in the early 1990s, including bone marrow transplant approaches. 4. What key advances have changed metastatic breast cancer care since her mother’s time, such as genetic testing and subtype specific treatments. 5. How clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer usually work today and why they rarely involve placebo without treatment. 6. Why metastatic patients often need lifelong treatment and careful monitoring to stay on effective therapy as long as possible. 7. How advocacy groups and steering committees at MD Anderson direct research funds toward metastatic specific projects. 8. Why self advocacy and persistence with providers can be critical, especially for younger women seeking mammograms or additional testing. 9. How Elise balances her volunteer work, legal background, and family life while staying active on multiple boards and committees. 10. What message she wants women and families to remember about screening, self care, and not putting their own health last. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Board recruitment and early connection to The Rose02:30 High risk programs, navigation, and genetic testing03:45 Mother’s de novo metastatic diagnosis and treatment in the 1990s08:30 Limited options then versus today’s targeted therapies10:00 Role of subtyping, genetics, and clinical trials now11:30 How trials work, ongoing treatment, and progression13:00 Starting early mammograms and self advocacy in her 30s17:30 Younger women, “too young” barriers, and trusting your body21:30 Advanced breast cancer steering committee and research funding24:30 Boot Walk fundraising and metastatic specific projects28:00 Broader volunteer work and intensity of patient needs31:00 Navigation, uninsured women, and final call to advocateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does one man's dedication to community health reshape cancer prevention efforts in Texas? Carlton Allen's passion for public health and population health, sparked during his academic years, led him to an influential role in the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). Through his guidance, CPRIT addresses significant cancer burdens and health disparities statewide. Meanwhile, Allen champions the Texas Cancer Plan as a comprehensive roadmap for continued progress in cancer prevention and care. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Carlton Allen get into public health? 2. What differentiates public health from direct patient care according to Carlton? 3. Where did Carlton Allen complete his education? 4. How did Carlton Allen integrate community health workers (CHWs) into clinical operations? 5. What are the challenges in obtaining funding for community health workers? 6. What is the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and what roles does it play? 7. How does CPRIT impact cancer prevention and research in Texas? 8. What frustrations does Carlton Allen face in his role at CPRIT? 9. What was Carlton Allen’s role in the Texas Cancer Plan? 10. What values does Carlton hope to instill in his children based on his community work? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Community Health Workers' Impact 03:42 Healthcare Worker Reimbursement Challenge 07:46 Expanding Healthcare Outreach with Grants 10:07 Visiting Texas Prevention Grantees 13:27 Advancements in Cancer Prevention 16:51 Cancer Secrecy in Males 21:14 Inclusive Cancer Care Guidelines 25:57 Community Engagement and Volunteerism 27:56 Raising Hardworking, Community-Minded Children Learn more about CPRIT here. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

En este episodio, la Dra. Cotes, profesora asistente y jefa de la división de imágenes mamarias en UT Health en Houston, comparte su inspiradora historia, desde su Colombia natal hasta convertirse en una destacada radióloga mamaria en los EE.UU., su misión de servir a la comunidad hispana y su transición de The Rose a UT Health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diagnosed with DCIS while underinsured and between jobs, Ayanna Wilcher found compassionate biopsy care at The Rose and chose her own path through mastectomy and multiple opinions. Now, she leads survivor work and Rising in Grace, delivering post mastectomy comfort kits and community. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How Ayanna’s life and work shifted in the year leading up to her diagnosis, including job loss and a move back into higher education. 2. How she first felt a lump, what her recent mammogram history was, and which steps her doctor friend urged her to take. 3. What it was like to be underinsured when a biopsy was recommended and how she was referred to The Rose for care. 4. How Ayanna experienced her biopsy at The Rose, including the provider’s communication, pain control, and overall respect. 5. What happened the day she received her cancer diagnosis while traveling, and how she coped emotionally during her conference responsibilities. 6. Why she and her team named the cancer “Beulah” and how humor and mindset helped her face decisions about surgery. 7. How insurance battles over imaging, multiple oncology opinions, and differing chemo recommendations led her to choose a non chemo maintenance path with Texas Oncology. 8. How her husband’s decision to take a lower paying out of state job for health insurance, and her children’s responses, shaped the family’s experience of her cancer. 9. What specific challenges women face after mastectomy, from drains and lack of rest to the cost of pillows, bras, and other comfort items. 10. How Rising in Grace and Ayanna’s work with Angels Surviving Cancer and patient navigation training aim to make post mastectomy life less isolating and more supported. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Introduction, background, and 2026 as a rebuild year02:00 Clean mammogram, new lump, and fast follow up03:30 Job loss, underinsurance, and biopsy denial03:45 Referral to The Rose and compassionate biopsy experience05:00 DCIS diagnosis on a flight and initial shock06:30 Humor, naming “Beulah,” and building a care plan07:50 Meeting oncology team and facing mastectomy decision09:30 Moomoo mastectomy party and surgery day12:30 Pathology results, nine invasive sites, and chemo debate13:40 Second and third opinions, choosing no chemo, “bet on yourself”15:15 Impact on husband, children, and mother; caregiver burden20:00 Angels Surviving Cancer, patient navigator training, leadership21:30 Launching Rising in Grace and creating post mastectomy kits23:30 Realities of drains, rest, and the cost of comfort items26:00 Body image, bras, and emotional recovery after mastectomy29:00 Final message: act early, seek support, and remember it is not the endSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Board Chair Shannon Wiesedeppe carries a deep family history of breast cancer into every decision she helps make at The Rose. From hurricanes and COVID to a Co-Founder and CEO transition, she keeps The Rose focused on access, reimbursement realities, mobile coaches, and identical care for uninsured and insured women. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How Shannon was recruited to The Rose board through Junior League connections and early exposure to the mission. 2. What roles she has held within the Junior League and how that prepared her for board leadership. 3. How her family’s multi generational breast cancer history shapes her personal vigilance and advocacy. 4. What major events The Rose has weathered during her board tenure, including hurricanes, COVID, and large anonymous gifts. 5. How the board and staff worked together creatively to keep services going when many nonprofits closed. 6. Why the board chair role is central to managing CEO transitions and aligning leadership with the strategic plan. 7. How collaboration and partnerships can extend The Rose’s services and why those relationships take patience and persistence. 8. What Shannon learned about insurance, government funding, and reimbursement and how these dynamics affect breast imaging access. 9. Why awareness and education remain urgent even after forty years, especially for women reaching screening age for the first time. 10. What single message she wants women to hear about The Rose’s role as a partner in making mammograms and next steps less stressful. Timestamped Overview00:00 Board service, crises, and change01:20 Joining The Rose board through Junior League connections03:00 Family breast cancer history and personal vigilance04:30 Surviving hurricanes, COVID, and funding shocks06:00 Staff grit, creative problem solving, and board support09:00 CEO oversight and navigating a founder transition11:00 Strategic plan, partnerships, and collaborations21:00 Learning reimbursement, funding, and insurance realities24:00 Awareness, myths, and reaching each new generation27:00 Why The Rose matters, access, and mobile mammography29:00 Core message: The Rose as a partner through stressful careSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interim CEO Katherine Parsley brings decades of courtroom, nonprofit, and judicial experience to The Rose. As a longtime patient and daughter of a survivor, she centers early mammograms, steady leadership, and practical encouragement for a largely women led team in transition. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did a legal and nonprofit career lead to serving as interim CEO at The Rose? 2. What lessons come from moving from the courtroom to Crime Stoppers and other mission-driven organizations? 3. How does being both a Rose patient and the daughter of a breast cancer survivor shape one’s perspective on early detection? 4. What are the primary responsibilities of an interim CEO in a healthcare nonprofit? 5. How can an interim leader best support the team during the search for permanent leadership? 6. Why does women’s tendency to put themselves last make breast health messaging especially important? 7. How can prioritizing relationships, travel, and downtime with family contribute to personal wellbeing? 8. What does it take to lead a workplace of more than 100 employees, most of whom are women? 9. How do deep Houston roots and an extended family network influence a commitment to local service? 10. How can a career of service leave a lasting impact, and what legacy can leaders aim to build in each role? Timestamped Overview 02:00 Legal and nonprofit background, prosecutor to judge to CEO04:00 Personal breast cancer connection and being a Rose patient08:00 Family life, Houston roots, and love of community10:00 Women’s self neglect, modeling consistent healthcare, self care14:00 Leading as an interim, stabilizing the team and mission17:00 Open door leadership style and message to staff19:00 Legacy, impact, and making a difference through each roleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Executive Director of The Jung Center, Dr. Fitzpatrick's not only given the Rose community hope in the darkest of times, such as during the pandemic, but he’s also done so for countless others in the Houston area. During this conversation, Dorothy and Dr. Fitzpatrick talk about past challenges and how they’ve impacted the breast cancer community. He also discusses the need for caregivers to embrace self-care and encourages breast cancer patients to engage in self-acceptance. Additionally, we get a brief history lesson when Dr. Fitzpatrick discusses Audre Lorde, who was faced with the difficult decision of either living out what life she had left serving her values, helping women’s groups that were forming in the 1970s and the 1980s, or if she was going to take the step back to seek treatment for breast cancer. Learn more about Dr. Fitzpatrick's work and The Jung Center at www.junghouston.com. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. Why is must we nurture our well-being, especially in the face of adversity? as the isolation brought on by the pandemic. 2. How is breast cancer tied to the origin of self-care? 3. What can we do to foster better support networks in our community? 4. What are Dr. Fitzpatrick’s tips for managing self-care? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Self-care in pandemic: simplified approach for all. 03:51 Infants have instinct to notice surroundings instinctively. 07:47 Paying attention to body signals for calm. 12:55 Well being defined as happiness and contentment. 15:04 Well-being through relationships, including self and community. 18:38 Commute time transformed during pandemic, newfound appreciation. 23:46 Audrey Lord, influential writer, faced cancer decision. 24:48 Self-care as political act for black woman. 28:11 Recognize interdependence, create spaces for connection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forty years at The Rose taught our co-founder and CEO Dorothy Gibbons this: you don’t walk away from women, even when the system does. In this farewell episode, Dorothy share the stories that shaped her, why she's stepping back, and why your support and your stories still matter. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How were Dorothy and Dr. Dixie received as two women creating a new breast health nonprofit in the mid‑1980s? 2. What kind of resistance did Dorothy encounter from male‑dominated leadership when she pushed for mammograms and a place for uninsured women? 3. Who were early patients and volunteers like Annabelle and Diana, and how did they shape The Rose’s culture? 4. Why does Dorothy believe patient stories—and hearing “someone else has been there”—still matter just as much as technology? 5. What does it mean for The Rose to be a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, and why was that accreditation such a milestone? 6. Which values at The Rose are non‑negotiable for Dorothy, especially around how women and working mothers are treated? 7. What has truly improved in breast cancer imaging, awareness, and treatment in 40 years—and what has barely changed for uninsured and low‑income women? 8. How did gifts ranging from one dollar at a gas station to a surprise million‑dollar donation keep The Rose going? 9. After four decades, how does Dorothy keep her passion for women’s health, and what unfinished business does she believe belongs to the next generation? 10. What advice does she give anyone starting a nonprofit today—and why does she insist real change requires policy change, not just good programs? Timestamped Overview 1:00 Dorothy reflects on starting The Rose and how little the world understood mammograms and uninsured women in the mid‑1980s. 02:00 Stories of early skepticism, male‑dominated rooms, and how Dr. Dixie’s trailblazing surgical career gave them cover to push forward. 05:30 Remembering first patients and volunteers like Annabelle and Diana, their opposite personalities, and how they taught Dorothy there’s no one “right” way to live with cancer. 08:30 Why sharing patient stories on the podcast still matters: faith, courage, and the power of hearing your own experience in someone else’s words. 10:20 What becoming a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence required from staff, physicians, and equipment—and why that recognition mattered. 12:40 Dorothy’s non‑negotiables: valuing women, backing employees as whole people, and the day a tone‑deaf salesman lost a contract with one sexist comment. 15:40 What has improved in imaging, awareness, and treatment over 40 years—and what remains broken for uninsured and low‑income women. 18:00 The emotional toll of fundraising shortfalls, policy stagnation, and why closing the doors never felt like an option. 19:30 How advocacy and policy wins like Texas’s Cancer Prevention and Research Institute funding changed the landscape for prevention and research. 21:30 The unforgettable million‑dollar donor in overalls and the equally powerful one‑dollar gift at a gas station in El Paso. 24:00 Sponsored patients who gave back, like the woman who saved for years to fund another biopsy, and how those gifts shaped Dorothy’s view of generosity. 25:30 Keeping passion after four decades, why 40 years went by in a blink, and the stories that still fuel Dorothy’s work. 26:30 Letting The Rose “grow up,” what kind of energy Dorothy hopes to leave behind, and why she believes in the quiet power of “you can do it.” 28:00 Life after pink: how Dorothy imagines her next chapter and her advice for anyone bold enough to launch a nonprofit today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does a simple flyer lead a high school student to a life-saving discovery? Monserrat Duron’s decision to perform a self-exam after attending a college fair changed the trajectory of her life. Upon finding a lump, she faced unimaginable challenges due to a lack of insurance. Yet, with the support of The Rose and the steadfast care of Dr. Bonefas, she navigated a grueling journey towards recovery and advocacy. More than a decade after her diagnosis at just 18 years old, Montserrat shares her experience. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Monserrat initially discover she had a lump in her breast? 2. What challenges did Monserrat face in accessing healthcare after discovering the lump? 3. What was the result of Monserrat's initial examination at The Rose? 4. What significant surgery did Monserrat undergo due to persistent tumors? 5. How did Monserrat's professional life evolve after her recovery? Timestamped Overview 00:00 We're raising money for uninsured women's diagnostics. 05:19 Early self-exams crucial for detecting breast changes. 08:38 Rose advocates lowering mammogram age guideline to 35. 10:13 Grandma's comment made her avoid seeing herself. 15:14 Relentlessly pursued success in education and life. 17:19 Fearful moments worrying about son's future. 22:10 First in family to attend college. 26:46 Got referral and directions to Harris hilt 30:27 Apologized, recommended plan, discussed surgery, future considerations. 31:09 Reconstruction planned with plastic surgeons, lengthy process. 35:32 Cancerous issue, mostly in younger women.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Baseball built Julia’s career, but it’s the people behind the game who keep her in Houston. She traces her path from small‑town athlete to Astros broadcaster, then opens up about 2020, when pregnancy, COVID, and her mother’s breast cancer collided, pushing her to start mammograms early and speak candidly about family history and early detection. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key questions answered 1. How did a sports‑obsessed kid from Crandall, Texas, work her way from tiny markets and tomahawk tournaments to the Houston Astros broadcast team? 2. What did Julia learn in minor league ballparks with the Round Rock Express that made her the right hire for a full‑time traveling baseball role? 3. How did legendary play‑by‑play announcer Bill Brown help introduce her to Astros fans and give her space to be herself on air during losing seasons? 4. Why did Julia decide to drop the “buttoned‑up” reporter persona and let fans see the same person on TV that they’d meet in H‑E‑B? 5. What toll did early years of bad baseball, five‑hour games, and constant travel take on her, and how did those years actually make her a better reporter? 6. How did the arrival of stars like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer, and Lance McCullers change her job and the way the broadcast told stories? 7. In what ways does Julia see herself as a trailblazer for women in sports media, and how did little girls in the stands with “I’m here to see Julia” signs change her perspective? 8. How did she balance becoming a visible role model with raising her own young daughter, knowing her child is watching how she treats people on and off camera? 9. What exactly happened in 2020 when Julia was navigating pregnancy, a shutdown baseball season, and the discovery that her mother was already deep into breast cancer treatment? 10. How has her mother’s diagnosis and double mastectomy shaped her own screening habits, her views on early detection, and her message to fans about mammograms? Timestamped overview 00:30 Julia explains what she actually is on air: sideline reporter, field reporter, broadcaster, and sometimes “Ms. Astro” 01:37 First jobs after college as a small‑market sports reporter, covering everything from football to tomahawk throwing in Sherman, Texas 04:01 Learning the business side of baseball: players being optioned, designated for assignment, and the stories that never make the big‑league broadcast 06:50 Adjusting from local news schedules to life on the road with a Major League team and learning live, in‑game broadcasting 09:39 Julia’s decision to stop playing the “hard‑news” sideline role and instead be fully herself for 162 games a season 11:20 The grind of 2013: bad team, long games, coast‑to‑coast travel, wardrobe stress, and quietly hitting a wall by May 22:01 Staying in the role long‑term when many women cycled out after a couple of years; growing up on camera and putting down roots in Houston 24:19 How deep ties to players, alumni, and Astros legends made Julia a lifelong fan of people like Jose Altuve and Nolan Ryan 25:58 The moment she realized she was inspiring girls: signs in the stands, little fans calling her name, and seeing herself in them the way she once heard Pam Oliver 29:02 Dorothy shifts the conversation to breast cancer and asks about Julia’s mom’s diagnosis coinciding with her pregnancy in 2020 31:32 Returning home, camping out on her mom’s couch during early COVID, and missing the signs that something was wrong 32:31 Mom’s later visit to Houston in a baseball cap, the quiet reveal that she’d already started breast cancer treatment, and Julia’s guilt at not knowing 33:28 Processing that her mother had been doing chemo and appointments alone while Julia was focused on pregnancy and job uncertainty 34:00 The double mastectomy scheduled three days before Julia’s delivery, scrambling to give her mother time to recover and still meet her grandbaby 35:03 Her mom’s lump, finding it on a mammogram, getting treated despite the pandemic, and being “all good” now 35:32 Why Julia started mammograms three years early, at 37, and how her mother’s estrogen‑sensitive cancer changed the way she thinks about her own stress and hormones 38:06 Fears and conversations about risk for her daughter Valerie, hereditary questions, and how often she thinks about their shared futureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samina Farid built her career in oil and gas, founded her own company, and forged ahead in spaces where women are rarely seen. Through it all, she faced cancer twice and found strength that reshaped both her health and her work. - Breaking barriers as the only woman in the room - Building success in a male-dominated industry - Facing cancer two times and turning challenges into purpose Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Samina Farid cope with the challenges of being the only woman in a male-dominated field? 2. How did Samina come to start her own company, and what inspired its mission? 3. What was unique about Merrick Systems, and how did it contribute to the industry? 4. Why did Samina decide to sell her company, and what was that process like? 5.What steps did Samina take after her cancer diagnosis? 6. What did Samina learn about her genetic risk for cancer? 7. How did journaling and self-care practices help Samina during her cancer journey? 8. What message does Samina want to share with other women about health and self-care? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Discovery of Remarkable Women 04:12 Pre-Internet Oil Data Challenges 08:20 Grateful for Mentorship Journey 11:27 "Turbulent Life Changes" 15:44 Cancer Journey and Support 21:23 "Facing Cancer's Uncertainty" 24:12 Genetic Mutation: Cancer Risk Alert 25:44 Pancreatic Tumor and Whipple Surgery 28:49 Prioritize Health: Just Do ItSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Melillo and Dorothy Gibbons started The Rose because they were tired of telling women, “You have cancer, and there’s nowhere for you to go.” Forty years later, they're still in that same fight. In this conversation, Dr. Melillo walks us from those early days of oil‑bust Houston and charity‑hospital waiting lists to today’s harsh reality: we can diagnose, but for too many uninsured and underinsured women, we can’t get them into treatment. She shares her newest dream: a St. Jude‑style breast health hospital where women receive world‑class care, prevention, and real compassion without ever seeing a bill. In this episode, we talk about: - How The Rose began in the mid‑1980s with young mothers showing up with massive, advanced breast cancers and no insurance—and why diagnosis alone was never enough. - The current crisis: Medicaid rules, closed charity programs, and women forced to move counties, divorce, or give up work just to qualify for treatment. - Dr. Dixie’s vision for a no‑bill breast hospital that puts women first, teaches prevention and nutrition, supports child care, and treats every patient like a whole person, not a billing code. If this episode made you think of someone you love, share it with your family and friends—and if you’re able, consider making a donation at therose.org so another woman can get the mammogram and follow‑up care she needs, not just a diagnosis. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key questions answered What heartbreaking cases in the early 1980s pushed Dixie and Dorothy to create The Rose in the first place? Why wasn’t sending uninsured women to “charity” hospitals a real solution, even when diagnosis was available? How has today’s landscape of Medicaid rules, insurance criteria, and overburdened systems brought them back to a 1983‑style crisis? What does it feel like for a physician to diagnose cancer and have no clear path to treatment for a woman who could be cured? How do poverty guidelines, citizenship requirements, work‑history rules, and even marital status block women from life‑saving care? Why are more women being diagnosed younger—and what happens when they must choose between a paycheck, child care, and treatment? What exactly is Dr. Dixie’s dream breast health hospital, and how would it function differently from traditional systems? How would this hospital center prevention, nutrition, and metabolic health alongside surgery, chemo, and radiation? Why do Dixie and Dorothy believe access to treatment should not depend on money, insurance, or ZIP code—and why do they say this dream is urgent, not optional? What kind of help—visionaries, donors, partners—are they hoping will step forward after hearing this conversation? Timestamped overview 03:30 Setting up the conversation; Dorothy reflects on cold opens and frames the core question: what if you were told you had cancer and had nowhere to go? Introduction of Dr. Dixie Melillo and the early 1980s context. 07:30 Dixie’s start as one of the only women surgeons, being funneled all the breast lumps, the lack of mammography access, and the string of uninsured women with advanced cancers—including the 32‑year‑old mother whose case broke them both. Formation of The Rose, creating a nonprofit, and realizing they had to build their own center instead of just raising money for others. 10:30 Early fundraising, fashion shows, awareness campaigns, and years when partnerships and charity programs allowed The Rose to diagnose and connect women to treatment reasonably well. 14:30 Fast‑forward to today: hospitals dropping certain Medicaid plans, strict income and citizenship rules, women being over the line by a hundred dollars, and some moving counties or divorcing just to qualify. Dixie compares the current situation to being back in 1983: able to diagnose, unable to offer treatment. 18:30 The emotional and moral toll: telling curable women there’s no path forward, the sin of watching a tumor grow because of paperwork and policy, and concrete examples of women blocked by work‑history or documentation rules. The heavy burden on patient navigators trying to work around 40‑page applications and shrinking charity options. 23:30 Dr. Dixie’s dream: a dedicated breast health hospital modeled on St. Jude—no bills for those who can’t pay, robust prevention and nutrition education, and care that treats women as whole people. Discussion of sugar, metabolic health, and how current standard practices often ignore prevention. 28:00 Vision for the campus: a sizable site, on‑site child care for staff and potentially patients, a welcoming intake process where patients are met by a person—not a distant front desk—and care teams who know their stories, griefs, and lives beyond the diagnosis. 32:00 Calling out systemic injustice: women forced to choose food over copays, cancers that don’t hurt until too late, and the difference between insured women who assume they’ll survive and uninsured women who wonder how they’ll pay. Dixie and Dorothy argue that access to breast cancer treatment should be a right, not a luxury. 35:21 Dixie’s conviction that now is the time; her faith that God will send the people and resources. Final appeal for kindness, compassion, and for listeners to help make this “St. Jude for breast cancer” a reality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support comes to life at the "Everything’s Coming Up Roses Luncheon," where advocates, survivors, board members, and friends stand shoulder to shoulder for women’s health in the community. In this episode: - Hear from an emcee who connects with women over shared experiences - Meet board members who bring The Rose’s mission to new supporters - Listen to how others are making community care a priority Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. Why is supporting The Rose important? 2. How do insured patients help support The Rose’s mission? 3. What personal experiences deepen board members’ involvement with The Rose? 4. How do board members help promote and connect people to The Rose? 5. How does The Rose impact the local Houston community? 6. What role do banks and businesses play in supporting The Rose? 7. How can people support or get involved with The Rose? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

¿Qué es exactamente una mamografía? ¿Duele? ¿Qué pasa cuando llegas? Kathia nos explica el proceso, rompe mitos y comparte por qué muchas mujeres latinas dudan en llamar. Si alguna vez lo ha pospuesto por miedo o falta de información, este episodio es para usted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy and Shelley didn’t plan to share a breast cancer story, much less two very different diagnoses, eight years apart. One faced Stage 0 DCIS at 41 after pushing for a 3D mammogram; the other walked into an annual screening, felt no lump, and still heard “Stage 2 HER2‑Positive.” In this conversation, we talk about what happens when two pragmatic, organized women lean on faith, friendship, and their networks to move fast on treatment—then turn around and use their experience to champion The Rose and the women who rely on us for access to mammograms, diagnostics, and compassionate care. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key questions answered How did Nancy and Shelley each grow up with service and volunteering, and how did that shape their careers and philanthropy? What kind of work do they do in the plastics industry, and how did Shelley end up co‑inventing a “tiltless” liner used around the world? How did Shelley’s first 3D mammogram at 41 lead to a stage zero DCIS diagnosis, and why did she struggle to call it “cancer”? What made Nancy’s diagnosis different—stage two HER2‑positive with no lump—and how did prior research for Shelly help her move quickly? How did Nancy’s long history of volunteering and relationships at Baylor help both mother and daughter fast‑track appointments and treatment? What do they mean by “God winks,” and how did shared surgeons, the same radiologist, and overlapping timelines reinforce their faith? In what ways did cancer deepen—rather than define—their mother–daughter relationship and cement that “best friends” dynamic? How do they each use their stories now to push friends, colleagues, and even their kids to prioritize mammograms and routine screenings? Why is The Rose the organization they chose to champion, and how do insured patients’ mammograms help cover care for uninsured and underinsured women? What do they want listeners to understand about the emotional side of bell‑ringing, being present for each other, and never being “too busy” to schedule preventive care? Timestamped overview 03:20 Welcoming Nancy and Shelley as Everything’s Coming Up Roses honorees; their shared background as successful women in male‑dominated plastics and lifelong volunteers. 07:20 Nancy’s early volunteer roots, decades with arts and civic groups, current work with the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and Shelley’s career in plastics—including her patented tiltless liner and global travel as a family. 10:00 The “backwards” breast cancer story: Shelley’s stage zero DCIS diagnosis at 41 after pushing for a 3D mammogram, her embarrassment about calling it cancer, and the lack of family history aside from an elderly grandmother. 14:30 Nancy’s 2023 diagnosis: annual mammogram, no lump, stage two HER2‑positive, choosing a world‑class oncologist, and how watching Shelley’s calm, research‑driven approach prepared her. 18:30 How Nancy’s Baylor relationships and volunteer network helped both women move quickly through diagnosis and into treatment; the shared focus on reducing the stress of “waiting” and the role of faith in that season. 22:30 “God winks”: both having the same surgeon, Shelley’s husband later sharing her radiologist, and the reminder that—even for highly organized women—God is still in control. 26:30 How their faith kept them from seeing cancer as punishment, why they refused to play the victim, and how the experience tightened their bond without defining their identities. 31:10 Bell‑ringing surprises: Nancy showing up for Shelley’s bell, Shelley returning the favor and scaring her mom in the parking lot, and how those moments became treasured markers in their journey. 32:44 Using their platform: encouraging others to schedule mammograms, explaining how insured patients at The Rose help fund care for uninsured women, and embracing their “backwards” mother–daughter honoree role to amplify The Rose’s mission and make sure no woman walks around not knowing help is available.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being a doctor has its challenges, but imagine starting out when women weren't always accepted in medicine. Dr. Elizabeth Bonefas built a practice, stood up for her patients, and guided many through tough breast cancer battles. Dr. Bonefas is the Speaker at this year's Everything's Coming Up Roses Luncheon; you don't want to miss this episode! - She helped care for our youngest ever diagnosed breast cancer patient at The Rose (listen to that episode here) - She saw surgical and health care changes over the years, from radical treatments to new options. - She shares why women’s health care access is still a struggle, especially for the uninsured. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Dr. Elizabeth Bonefas start her medical career and practice? 2. Did Dr. Bonefas always want to be a doctor? 3. Why did Dr. Bonefas choose to specialize in breast surgery? 4. How has breast cancer surgery changed from the early days of Dr. Bonefas’ career? 5. What challenges do uninsured or underinsured breast cancer patients face? 6. How does insurance status impact access to breast cancer care and treatments? 7. Are younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer more frequently now? 8. What are the current recommendations for breast cancer screening? 9. How has radiation treatment for breast cancer evolved? 10. What barriers still exist for women seeking reconstructive surgery after mastectomy? 11. What additional obstacles do women in Texas, particularly uninsured women, face regarding breast health? 12. Why is pharmacy access and drug costs a significant issue for breast cancer patients? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Interview with Dr. Elizabeth Bonefas 05:20 From General Surgery to Breast Specialist 07:38 Evolution of Surgical Education 09:58 Evolving Lymph Node Biopsy Techniques 13:29 High Biopsy Costs and Insurance Issues 16:47 Healthcare Access Challenges 20:52 Healthcare Affordability Concerns 24:21 Breast Reconstruction Access Issues 28:41 Critique on Patronizing ReassuranceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelley didn’t see herself as “an honoree.” She saw herself as a working mom in a male‑dominated industry who just wanted to stay ahead of breast cancer. In this conversation, she walks us through the mammogram she almost didn’t get, receiving the news of a Stage 0 DCIS diagnosis, and the 10 years of follow‑up, skin checks, and colonoscopies that followed. Her story reminds us that early detection, asking questions, and having access to care—like the care The Rose offers uninsured and underinsured women—can change everything. She also shares why she’s using her role at this year's Everything’s Coming Up Roses Luncheon to spotlight access to mammograms and diagnostics for women who can’t afford them. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered What led Shelley to push for her first 3D mammogram at 41 instead of waiting until 50? How did her history—friends with breast cancer in their 30s and a family member who died—shape her sense of urgency? What does a stage zero DCIS diagnosis mean, and why did she wrestle with whether it “counted” as breast cancer? How did Shelley decide on a shorter, more intense “Canadian” radiation regimen, and what side effects did she experience? How did she talk to her husband and young son about her diagnosis without overwhelming them? In what ways did her workplace support her through biopsy, lumpectomy, and radiation so she could keep working? How did ringing the bell—and seeing her mother there—change how she processed the whole experience emotionally? Why did she become more assertive with doctors about mammograms, Pap smears, and other screenings after cancer? How did later health scares—melanoma on her back and her husband’s colon cancer—reinforce her commitment to early detection? What does Shelley hope listeners understand about The Rose’s role in providing mammograms, diagnostics, and treatment navigation for uninsured and underinsured women? Timestamped overview 03:30 Honoree at Everything’s Coming Up Roses, Shelley’s background as a mom and plastics industry leader, and her mother’s role as a business owner. 07:30 Pushing for an early mammogram at almost 40, getting delayed, then insisting at 41 on a 3D mammogram because of friends and family lost to breast cancer. 10:00 Calcifications, biopsy, lumpectomy, and hearing “stage zero DCIS”; becoming a “Google doctor” and wrestling with whether stage zero “counts” as cancer. 14:30 Choosing a four‑week Canadian radiation regimen, handling side effects, staying organized with questions for every doctor, and finishing treatment. 18:30 Ringing the bell, being surprised by her mom, finally breaking down, and how her kids processed “Mommy is sick but getting treated.” 22:30 Work support, flexible leave, staying on the job through treatment, and the relief of not having to fight employers while fighting cancer. 26:00 Living as a pragmatic, matter‑of‑fact patient, annual anxiety around scans, pushing for Pap smears and colonoscopies, and learning to question doctors. 29:00 Melanoma diagnosis, yearly (now more frequent) skin checks, taking her kids for annual skin exams, and teaching them why preventative care matters. 30:16 Her husband’s colon cancer, why “cancer” is both a scary and hopeful word in their home, and what it means to step into the honoree role to support The Rose’s mission of early detection and access to care for women who can’t afford it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Road grit meets breast cancer courage in this wild ride from Daytona to Homer that turns one biker into a full‑on breast health champion for his fiance Kathy and uninsured women at The Rose. - Why one long‑distance biker took on the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge to honor his fiancée Kathy and support uninsured women with breast cancer at The Rose. - The brutal, beautiful 11,000‑mile route from Florida through Hurricane Debby, the Keys, the red rocks, Canada, and into Homer, Alaska—and what those miles revealed about people’s kindness. - How a “subset of the biker community nobody hears about” quietly raises over a quarter‑million dollars for charity and reminds us that health, dignity, and access to breast cancer care matter more than anything we own. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered What is the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, and why do riders call it a spiritual challenge instead of just an endurance ride? How did Mike’s 11,000‑mile ride from Daytona to Homer work, and what did it take to earn “elite rider” status in 14 days? What was it like to ride the Florida Keys in the middle of Hurricane Debby on a loaded bike? How did small‑town strangers—like “Swamp Rat” in Georgia and Gayleen in Taos—step in to help exhausted riders and restore Mike’s faith in people? How did turn‑by‑turn paper directions, back roads, bad signage, and constant detours change the way Mike experienced the country and its communities? What kind of preparation, bike choice, and vetting does it take to even get a spot in Hoka Hey, and why is the field limited to about 100 new riders? How did Kathy’s metastatic breast cancer diagnosis push Mike to turn his love of riding into fundraising for The Rose? In what ways did this ride shift Mike’s beliefs about what matters more: money and stuff, or people, health, and community? How did the ride help Mike process anger about healthcare priorities and inspire him to speak out for women facing breast cancer? Why does Mike say it’s “not about the miles, it’s about what’s in those miles,” and how does that connect to living with and caring through breast cancer? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dorothy introduces Mike and the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge; Mike explains the event’s purpose, its origin with Jim Red Cloud, and the charity focus for indigenous communities and riders’ chosen causes. 04:45 Earning “elite rider” status, riding 11,017 miles in 14 days, and what it felt like to hit the Homer finish at midnight with his best friend. 07:40 Florida and the Keys in Hurricane Debby: sideways rain, flooded roads, soaked gear, and pushing through when you can’t even use a kickstand. 09:48 Sleeping by the bike, “Swamp Rat” opening the fire station, a Jamaican officer letting him ride on after a red light, and Gayleen in Taos handing out treats and directions. 13:30 Logistics, road confusion, unlabeled highways, extra detours, and the constant puzzle of staying on route while exhausted and chasing time. 17:32 Why Mike rode for Kathy and The Rose: their breast cancer story, her metastatic diagnosis, and turning frustration and helplessness into a fundraiser that reached 27,000 dollars. 21:43 What the journey taught him about people, poverty, food insecurity, generosity, and how stepping away from news and politics reframed what really matters. 23:05 The rules of the ride: American‑made bikes only, relentless back roads, long days in the saddle, sleeping in wet clothes, and learning to read paper directions while riding. 28:30 Dorothy frames Mike’s story as a story of America and of charity: the goodness of strangers, the power of bikers riding for breast cancer care, and why these miles matter for women they’ll never meet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Personal connections the Everything’s Coming Up Roses Luncheon. Mitra Woody shares how her story led her to champion The Rose and its mission to save lives through early detection. She draws on her healthcare law background to explain why access to preventive breast care remains out of reach for many uninsured and underinsured patients. She points to mobile mammography and patient navigation as the most critical lifelines The Rose offers in vulnerable communities. During this episode, she lays out clear goals for the Everything’s Coming Up Roses Luncheon: raise serious funds, recognize longtime volunteers and spread the word about the work happening every day at The Rose. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. Why did Mitra Woody decide to chair the Everything's Coming Up Roses luncheon? 2. What has Mitra Woody’s experience been attending previous Rose luncheons? 3. Where is Mitra Woody from, and what is her background? 4. How does Mitra Woody’s experience relate to healthcare and access issues? 5. Does Mitra Woody think access to healthcare in Texas will improve? 6. Why is having health insurance important, even if it doesn’t guarantee good health? 7. Has Mitra Woody known anyone who went through breast cancer? 8. What are some myths about breast cancer that the speakers address? 9. What community and volunteer work has Mitra Woody been involved in? 10. What does Mitra Woody believe are the most important services The Rose provides? 11. How does patient navigation help those diagnosed with breast cancer? 12. What are Mitra Woody’s personal goals for the upcoming luncheon? 13. What message does Mitra Woody want to share with women regarding their health? Timestamped Overview 00:00 From Tulsa to Law Career 03:57 Access to Preventative Health Care 07:48 Early Breast Cancer Awareness 11:23 Impact of Writing in Education 15:38 Support and Guidance After Diagnosis 17:36 Importance of Patient Navigation 20:53 Celebrating the Rose's Impact 24:29 Building Support Through Events 27:11 Everyone Welcome AnytimeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is community support crucial during health crises? In this episode, Dorothy and Nancy Strohmer delve into the significance of showing support and care for others during tough times. Nancy shares her journey through a health crisis, highlighting the importance of receiving support from friends, family, and the community. This experience inspired her mission to help others through awareness and resources. The conversation underscores the role of faith and community in coping during a crisis. Dorothy stresses the importance of annual mammograms for early detection of breast cancer, recounting a story of a daughter's proactive approach to her health. Nancy's story of her stage two breast cancer diagnosis, caught through a mammogram, emphasizes the importance of early detection. Her successful treatment journey serves as a powerful testament to the advancements in cancer care and the role of regular screenings. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts wherever you get your podcasts and consider making a donation at therose.org. Key Questions Answered 1.) Why is community support crucial during health crises? 2.) Why is it important to show support and care for others during difficult times? 3.) How did Nancy Strohmer's community support her during her health crisis? 4.) What role did Nancy's faith play during her health crisis? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Active leader, sold business, focused on family. 04:28 Radiologist predicted breast cancer, chose treatment immediately. 06:41 Grandsons surprise grandmother with get well card. 10:10 Mammogram confusion and importance for older women. 15:38 New passion to raise breast cancer awareness. 16:21 2 critical messages: mammograms save lives, exercise prevents cancer. 20:53 30% city lacks health coverage, women and children disproportionately affected. 24:34 Support and positivity crucial in facing cancer. 26:09 Human connection and thoughtfulness are important. 29:23 Supportive friend aids through tough times in Houston.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barriers shape the path to care. Emily Reis describes her role as a community engagement navigator for the Rose, connecting rural and urban communities to breast cancer screening resources. She covers Brazos Valley’s counties, teaches early detection, and works with clinics and facilitators to organize mobile mammogram days. Service relies on partnerships and word of mouth. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What does a Community Engagement Navigator do? 2. How does The Rose address barriers to breast cancer screening in the community? 3. What territory does Emily Reis cover as part of The Rose? 4. How does The Rose serve women in rural areas without imaging centers? 5. How do women make appointments for mobile mammogram days? 6. What role do local facilitators and clinics play in mobile screening events? 7. Why is it important for Community Engagement Navigators to be part of the communities they serve? 8. How does The Rose ensure ongoing support after a mammogram and diagnosis? 9. What motivates Emily Reis personally in her role? 10. How does The Rose promote regular annual mammograms and reach rural areas effectively? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Community Engagement for Life-Saving Connections 04:00 Mobile Imaging Access in Rural Areas 07:11 Building Community Through Public Health 09:34 Community Partnerships for Mobile Mammograms 15:48 Ensuring Cancer Care Access 17:20 Support Through Health Challenges 20:03 Breast Cancer Scare While Pregnant 24:18 Reaching Communities Through Mammograms 27:52 From Awareness to Action 30:03 Gratitude for Dedicated PartnershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you respond when a friend faces a diagnosis that changes everything? What does real support look like during breast cancer treatment? In this episode, you’ll hear how friendship, early detection, and self-advocacy made a difference. You’ll also learn about the challenges of treatment, the role of caregivers, and ways communities rally when it’s needed most. - Discover what it takes to face fear and make critical decisions. - Hear two friends describe finding strength and asking for help. - See why early action and support networks can impact recovery. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered How did Anne-Laure discover her breast cancer? How old was Anne-Laure when she was diagnosed with breast cancer? What was Anne-Laure’s experience with her initial diagnosis? How did Anne-Laure finally receive an accurate diagnosis? What type of breast cancer was Anne-Laure diagnosed with? How soon after diagnosis did Anne-Laure begin treatment? Did Ann-Laure use cold caps to try to keep her hair during chemotherapy? What was the role of friends and support in Anne-Laure’s journey? How did Anne-Laure and her husband communicate about her diagnosis and treatment? How did Anne-Laure handle the emotional impact and fear during her breast cancer journey? How did Anne-Laure and Rochelle support each other as friends through the process? What advice does Anne-Laure offer about early detection and self-advocacy? How did the experience change Anne-Laure’s approach to accepting help? How did Anne-Laure process and talk to herself through her treatment? How did Anne-Laure and her community celebrate treatment milestones? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Self-Discovery of Unusual Growth 03:25 Considering a Second Opinion 09:06 "Princess Diana's Influence on Cold Caps" 11:23 Hair Perception and Dry Ice Delivery 15:52 Hospital Freezers: Aiding Neuropathy Treatment 17:00 Finding Humor in Cold Caps 22:59 "Embracing Limits and Early Detection" 24:01 Early Detection Saved My Life 29:25 "Caregiver Struggles and Attention" 32:07 Support Network Eases Transition 35:37 Proactive Help and Support 38:20 Overcoming Fear Through UnderstandingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

En este episodio, el Dr. Fernando Angarita conversa con las mujeres de la comunidad hispanohablante sobre el cáncer de mama, desmitificando creencias comunes y resaltando la importancia de la detección temprana. Con un mensaje claro y esperanzador, explica cómo los avances médicos y el tamizaje adecuado pueden marcar la diferencia y salvar vidas. Un episodio informativo y motivador que invita a cuidar la salud y tomar acción a tiempo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trusting your instincts can change everything. Dorothy Gibbons and Jenny Fitzpatrick talk about early breast cancer diagnosis, persistent self-advocacy, and navigating treatment as a young mother. Jenny Fitzpatrick describes celebrating survivorship, building community, and creating new traditions. Stories connect lives. Experiences shape what comes next. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How old was Jenny Fitzpatrick when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and how was it discovered? 2. Was Jenny initially misdiagnosed, and what was the medical response? 3. What symptoms or clues made Jenny pursue a second medical opinion? 4. What was unusual about Jenny’s breast cancer diagnosis and treatment experience? 5. What treatments did Jenny receive, and did she undergo radiation therapy? 6. Why did Jenny opt for a prophylactic second mastectomy, and how did her doctor respond? 7. How long did Jenny’s reconstruction process take, and why was it prolonged? 8. How does Jenny celebrate her breast cancer survivorship annually? 9. What inspired Jenny to start organizing adventure trips, and what are some examples? 10. How did Jenny first learn about the Rose, and why did she become a supporter? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Discovering Health Concerns 04:41 Realization in the Mirror 07:03 Treating Mind and Body 12:12 Breaking Patterns, Trying New Things 16:12 92 Years of Friendship 19:50 The Car Wash Chronicles 22:41 Adventurous Roots in the Northwest 23:43 Empowering Adventures for Women 27:59 Extra Years, Extra Love 30:06 Gratitude and PolitenessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dorothy is joined by Ronnie Haggerty, a board member of The Rose, who recounts her personal story of rallying together with friends years ago when a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. She describes the important role friends can play during this time; a role no other person can fill. This was also the first time she encountered seeing the different ways The Rose helps women. Known for her deep understanding of philanthropy and the regulations governing 501(c)3 organizations, Ronnie has spent her career helping nonprofits grow and become sustainable. If you’ve ever thought about starting a nonprofit, Ronnie has some sage advice that may surprise you. The nonprofit sector brings its own kind of challenges, yet they fill the gap in providing resources and services to the community. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1.) How can nonprofits operate effectively? 2.) What are key things to consider when determining whether to start a nonprofit? 3.) What are some of the significant challenges uninsured women face in terms of accessing healthcare and what can nonprofits do to help? Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Nonprofits and Best Business Practices 09:33 Advice for Starting a Nonprofit 26:16 Challenges Faced by Uninsured Women 28:40 The Role of The Rose in Providing Healthcare AccessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asking for help is never easy. Dorothy Gibbons introduces Kathia, manager at The Rose’s southeast location. Three departments fall under Kathia’s leadership: medical records, registration, and sponsorship programs. The Rose offers care and access, removing barriers like language, cost, and transportation. Even after diagnosis, bilingual patient navigators remain with patients, helping them through paperwork and treatment. Preventive care and self-advocacy are emphasized throughout. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What is Kathia’s role at The Rose?2. What does 'removing barriers' mean at The Rose?3. How does the sponsorship program at The Rose work?4. Why is it hard for women to ask for help regarding their healthcare?5. What is the process for patients who may need sponsorship?6. How does Kathia personally relate to patients at The Rose?7. What support does The Rose provide for patients diagnosed with breast cancer and facing barriers?8. How does the new system at The Rose improve patient experience? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Patient-Centered Care Program 05:20 Building Relationships Before Sponsorship 08:07 Healthcare Barriers for Non-English Speakers 11:02 Support Resources for Cancer Patients 13:13 Patient Education Process Explained 18:15 Teaching Self-Advocacy to Kids 22:32 Compassionate Staff with Shared Experiences 23:13 Connection and Mission ForwardSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Misinformation still finds its way into the conversation. Dorothy Gibbons and Dr. Raz dive into breast cancer myths, mammogram safety, risk factors, and common social media claims. They sort through concerns about bras, deodorants, cell phones, diet, and trauma. Evidence and screening guidelines guide the facts during this episode. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. Does getting a mammogram increase your risk of developing breast cancer due to radiation exposure? 2. Why is there so much controversy and skepticism surrounding mammograms and breast cancer screening, especially compared to other screenings? 3. Is breast cancer only a concern for women with a family history of the disease? 4. Is breast cancer purely an older woman’s disease, or can younger women get it too? 5. Does wearing an underwire bra or any bra cause breast cancer? 6. Can deodorant use (especially with aluminum) lead to breast cancer? 7. Is carrying a cell phone in your bra (or close to your body) a cause of breast cancer? 8. Does hair dye or using plastic water bottles increase breast cancer risk? 9. Does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase breast cancer risk? 10. Can breast injury or trauma cause breast cancer? 11. Does obesity relate to breast cancer risk? 12. Can animals sense breast cancer in humans? 13. Are alternative treatments or internet trends (like ivermectin or bee venom) effective against breast cancer? 14. Is it important for patients to trust their doctor and treatment process? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Mammogram Radiation: Safe and Essential 04:22 Annual Screening Controversy Explained 08:28 Breast Cancer: Risks and Incidence 11:14 Impact of Treating Women's Diseases 13:52 Aluminum in Deodorant Safe 18:29 HRT Risks and Tapering Explained 25:52 Ivermectin Misuse and Clinical Trials 28:51 Health's Role in Cancer Prevention 29:47 Poison Necessary to Fight CancerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cookie Joe has spent her life teaching dance, shaping not just technique but character, faith, and compassion in her students. When cancer struck, she embraced it as a purposeful challenge, inspiring her community through fundraisers, open conversations, and shared strength. Her story is a celebration of resilience, community, and faith over fear. If this conversation matters to you, share the episode with your family and friends and consider making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered How did Cookie begin dancing so early in life? Why is dance such an important part of Cookie's identity? What unique fundraiser is Cookie's dance school doing for breast cancer awareness? Why are butterflies used as an emblem in her school’s breast cancer awareness activities? What types of dance and performing arts does Cookie's school teach, and who attends? How does Cookie make dance accessible to children with disabilities or limited opportunities? In what ways does dance challenge and engage the brain, and how might it affect cognitive health? How does dance serve as spiritual practice and meditation for Cookie? What was Cookie's experience with breast cancer, particularly during COVID? How did breast cancer impact Cookie's relationships and outlook? Timestamped Overview 00:00 From Doctor Dreams to Music 03:15 "From Volunteer to Choir Teacher" 09:17 Finding Humor During Adversity 11:44 "Trust Me, We'll Be Fine" 15:59 Community Fair with Local Support 18:50 Community Support Through Collaboration 23:17 "Building Trust Through Connection" 26:40 "Empowering Women Through The Rose" 28:30 "Embracing Unique Personal Stories"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keyanna McKenzie went from navigating family history and personal health challenges to creating the "Boobies and Babes" event, empowering women to prioritize their health. Her mission is to break the silence, foster community, and make conversations about breasts and self-exams a normal part of life. Inspired by her grandmothers and her own experiences, she now advocates for advocacy, awareness, and living dreams fully. If this conversation matters to you, share the episode with your family and friends and consider making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered How did Keyanna first learn about The Rose? What led Keyanna to seek breast health care at a young age? What was Keyanna's first experience at The Rose like? Does Keyanna have a family history of breast cancer? How did Keyanna discover her own breast lump? How did Keyanna process the discovery of her lump and what was her next step? What role did The Rose play in Keyanna’s diagnostic journey? What inspired Keyanna to create the “Boobies and Babes” event? What is unique about the “Boobies and Babes” event, and who is it for? How does Keyanna address the stigma or lack of conversation among young women regarding breast health? Why is genetic counseling and understanding risk factors important, according to Keyanna? What challenges does Keyanna identify for women in accessing breast health care? Timestamped Overview 00:00 "Breast Cancer Journey in Houston" 05:49 Pain, Caffeine, and Reality 09:41 "Normalizing Breast Health Conversations" 11:11 Young Women’s Health Awareness 13:54 "Advocating Wellness and Awareness" 19:37 "Honoring Memories and Love" 21:16 Edo Event With Modern Flair 23:34 "Be Your Own Advocate" 26:45 Empowering Women & Young CreativesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joanne Patterson shares her deeply personal journey of being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. At age 46 and a single mother of four, she knew the odds were against her. Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, she chose positivity and optimism as she battled against the cancer that steadily deteriorated her body. While Joanne's journey has been marked by setbacks and obstacles - including losses no one would ever want to endure - her resilience and determination have never wavered. Twenty years later, she is the epitome of life lived to its fullest as she embraces each day with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation, traveling the globe and enjoying the new friendships that have entered her life. Help women like Joanne by pledging your support at therose.org. Key Questions Answered 1.) How can gratitude and a positive attitude can help overcome challenges? 2.) How and why is perseverance key in moving forward? 3.) Why is it important to find joy and celebrate every day? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Reconnecting with The Rose after 20 years 01:47 Joanne's initial diagnosis and treatment 06:38 Maintaining a positive attitude during treatment 09:45 The impact of The Rose on Joanne and her daughter 15:33 Joanne's recurrence and ongoing treatment 25:30 The power of gratitude and acceptance 26:57 Coping with loss and maintaining resilienceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cristina Rodriguez, a Harvard-educated attorney and proud immigrant daughter, faced her diagnosis at 45 with honesty and vulnerability. Communication became her lifeline at home, especially with her young daughters. Now seven years out, she supports others through similar journeys and champions the life-saving power of routine screening. If this conversation matters to you, share the episode with your family and friends and consider making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered What is Cristina's background and where is she from? How did Cristina end up at Harvard Law School, and was that her original plan? What kind of lawyer is Cristina, and what is her role as a trial lawyer? Did Cristina use her professional communication skills when dealing with her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment? How was Cristina's breast cancer initially discovered? How did Cristina communicate her diagnosis to her children, and what advice did she follow? Did Cristina have to undergo chemotherapy? Did Cristina have any family history or known risk factors for breast cancer? How did Cristina support her friend Maria Boyce when she was diagnosed with breast cancer? How did Cristina tell her colleagues and clients about her diagnosis? What practical tips does Cristina offer other women about cancer screenings and self-care? How does Cristina use her experience to support others facing cancer? Timestamped Overview 00:00 "From Georgetown Waitlist to Harvard" 05:26 "Waiting to Share the Truth" 06:52 "Parenting Through Surgery Decisions" 13:01 "Stress, Support, and Gratitude" 13:36 Supporting Through Experience Gaps 18:52 "Owning My Sharpie Marks" 21:02 "Flower Power for Support" 24:46 Practicing Compassion Through Support 28:51 "Lean Into Support, Prioritize Health" 30:26 "Support Others, Embrace Self-Care"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.