Today, on International Friendship Day, 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 g...
Jul 30, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 254
Lisa Helfman had it all. She was a successful attorney and rising star in her company. She had an addiction that threatened to cut her life short. Lisa was addicted to being busy. Nevertheless, she beat the addition and is now the Community Affairs Director at HEB. During this episode, you'll learn Lisa balances her career and personal life, what Lisa does to take care of herself, and how she's transformed the way Americans eat through her charity Brighter Bites . Subscribe to Let's Talk About Y...
Jul 25, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 253
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 mil...
Jul 23, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 252
What would you do if genetic testing revealed a high risk for cancer? In this episode, Dorothy speaks with Michelle Sandlin, author of Cancer Don’t Care , and her daughter Kendall. Kendall shares her experience with preventive surgeries after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. She discusses her decision-making process, challenges, and the lack of information for young women facing similar choices. For women like Kendall and Michelle, it’s all about health advocacy and seeking support....
Jul 18, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 251
What happens when someone in ideal shape is diagnosed with breast cancer? During this episode, Dorothy welcomes Michelle Sandlin, author of Cancer Don't Care . Michelle shares her breast cancer journey, and discusses the importance of self-care, support, and documenting the experience through writing. She emphasizes paying attention to one's body and seeking medical advice, and much more. Please consider sharing this episode with your family and friends at therose.org . Your action may save the ...
Jul 16, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 250
This episode is a mashup of community partners, sponsors, and people whose lives have been directly impacted by The Rose. You’ll hear why sponsors like HEB support the Shrimp Boil, why the Celanese Foundation chose to team up with The Rose for the first time, why one volunteer continues to cook year after year, and how one man’s wife was directly impacted by our work. This episode is a culmination of our mission, and demonstrates our diverse community of supporters who share our goal to provide ...
Jul 11, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 249
Dorothy Gibbons is joined by co-founder Dr. Dixie Melillo, and founder of Sinless Treats, Dr. Beata Lerman. They discuss the link between sugar and cancer, as well as the importance of eliminating sugar from our diets. The guests highlight the role of processed foods and added sugars in the rise of metabolic diseases and cancer. They emphasize the need for education and awareness about the harmful effects of sugar and the importance of making healthier food choices. The conversation touches on t...
Jul 06, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 248
This Fourth of July holiday, we celebrate our freedom and honor those who make The Rose a safe and secure experience every day for our patients, staff, and visitors. During this conversation, Dorothy speaks with The Rose’s security guard—and boxer—Shane Evans. Shane’s been providing security for the Southeast location for the past few years, and he brings a unique perspective to the show. What can the breast cancer community learn from an undefeated boxer? A lot. Shane’s own experiences in the r...
Jul 04, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 247
Independence Day is this week and in the spirit of celebrating our freedom and those who defend our community, today’s podcast guest describes her experience with breast cancer while also bravely serving in the City of Galveston Police Department. “If your doctor didn't listen to you, you need to find another doctor.” Those are the words of Stacy Papillion. Affectionately known as “Sergeant Pap,” Stacey knows a thing or two about breast cancer. She beat it twice. The second time around was a bat...
Jul 02, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 246
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 detecti...
Jun 27, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 245
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 y...
Jun 25, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 244
During this episode, you’ll learn about the humble beginnings of The Rose’s Annual Shrimp Boil. From those modest roots that include a mini bass boat, the event has flourished into a beloved community tradition that raises funds for The Rose's programs and have played a crucial role in allowing The Rose to provide life-saving services to uninsured women throughout Southeast Texas. Beyond its fundraising impact, Shrimp Boil is a celebration of compassion and hope. Get involved by purchasing ticke...
Jun 20, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 243
Meet Sharon Cho, a two-time breast cancer survivor and head of the dessert table at The Rose’s Annual Shrimp Boil. Sharon has been a part of the Shrimp Boil since 1998, baking countless delectable treats like her bestselling pineapple upside-down cakes to raise money for Rose patients. During this conversation, Sharon emphasizes the life-saving importance of getting regular mammograms and not delaying them. Her personal experience illustrates how early detection can make all the difference. Shar...
Jun 18, 2024•19 min•Season 2Ep. 242
Judy Pareya is a breast cancer survivor and dedicated volunteer at The Rose. She joins Dorothy to share her powerful story, emphasizing the life-saving importance of early detection. Judy's experience underscores the vital role The Rose plays in providing care for uninsured women. Since surviving her battle with breast cancer more than twenty years ago, Judy has been actively involved in raising funds for The Rose through the annual Shrimp Boil. Her efforts help The Rose continue its mission to ...
Jun 13, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 241
An estimated one out of every one-hundred breast cancers diagnosed are found in a man. Charlie Morris is one of them. And he joins Dorothy to talk about his experience. During this episode, you’ll learn how he discovered his cancer, how he beat it, the reaction from his guy friends at work, and what he does to spread awareness in the community. 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 a...
Jun 11, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 240
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 ...
Jun 06, 2024•15 min•Season 2Ep. 239
Pat McDavid, affectionately known as “Sunshine,” has supported The Rose for years. For close to ten years, Pat has attended our annual Shrimp Boil. And without fail, he gets the crowd going by raising his live auction paddle. As you listen to Pat’s story, you’ll learn that his commitment to giving back stems from his upbringing. He was instilled with the belief that helping others is paramount. Pat has witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of The Rose on women. Today, the Shrimp Boil has ...
Jun 04, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 238
The Shrimp Boil is a beloved annual fundraiser hosted by The Rose. What started as a small gathering has blossomed into a massive party with over eight hundred attendees. It happens at the Pasadena Convention Center on June 22nd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is no stuffy gala. The Shrimp Boil is a casual and fun affair. Guests can bid on exciting items at the silent auction. They can try their luck at the liquor toss game or the 50-50 raffle. A dessert table offers sweet treats. The relaxed atmosph...
May 30, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 237
The Rose’s lead radiologist, Dr. Raz, sat down with Freddy Cruz for a conversation on his podcast Cruz through HTX . Dr. Raz shared his journey to a career in radiology, as well as stories that have motivated him for many years. He discusses advancements in radiology, and the role of AI in healthcare. Over the past couple of years, artificial intelligence has been top of mind. Medicine is no exception. Dr. Raz covers some of the exciting developments, and how these innovations are transforming t...
May 28, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 236
Mike Martin is an inventor whose latest creation is The Coolin’ Curve . As an ardent supporter of The Rose, he generously donates time on his yacht so members of our community can experience the peace and tranquility of the water. But Mike’s road to success as an inventor didn’t come without struggle. He battled addiction while his infant granddaughter Emma fought cancer. After a stint in rehab, he emerged with a vision for changing the world. And he’s done just that. During this episode, you’ll...
May 23, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 235
Fawn Preuss, a community benefits officer at Common Spirit, discusses the organization's grants program and its efforts to address healthcare disparities in rural areas. She emphasizes the importance of community collaboration and meeting the needs of the most vulnerable populations. During this conversation, Fawn also highlights the role of social determinants of health and the focus on measurable outcomes in grant selection. She shares personal experiences living in a rural area and the unique...
May 21, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 234
“Bear” Hebert is a renowned auctioneer from the Houston area and a champion of The Rose for over thirty years. The episode starts with a sneak peek into Bear's early life, where he found his calling in auctioneering and has never looked back. Dorothy and Bear go down memory lane as they reflect on how they met and how he became one of The Rose’s best friends. You’ll also hear a side of Bear you’ve never heard before. He gets candid about his family’s battle with breast cancer. And you’ll get som...
May 16, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 233
Dr. Lerman shares her journey from being a scientist to being diagnosed with cancer and creating sugarless chocolate. She discusses her background in science and her passion for research. She explains how she got into the field of immunotherapy and her experience with being diagnosed with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Dr. Lerman emphasizes the importance of addressing the root cause of cancer and the role of sugar in promoting inflammation. As the founder of Sinless Treats, a company that offers su...
May 14, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 232
Rachel Evans made one of the most difficult choices a woman could make. She chose to undergo a mastectomy due to a positive BRCA1 gene mutation. During this episode, Dorothy and Rachel talk about the emotional and physical challenges of the surgery and the impact it had on her femininity and ability to breastfeed. Rachel emphasizes the importance of research and information for women considering reconstruction after a mastectomy. And she opens up about the support she received from her husband, ...
May 09, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 231
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 empl...
May 07, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 230
She lost her husband and her mother in one year. Mona Ellakany’s new reality left her with a choice: Stay in America or move back to home to Egypt. She chose America, but in 2021 Monica was diagnosed with breast cancer. During this powerful episode, she shares her story of struggle, her breast cancer experience, and all the ways her community had rallied to support her and her children. Mona is this year’s honoree at Hats and Henna High Tea on May 5th at The Junior League Houston. Learn more at ...
May 02, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 229
The Rose’s board chair Theresa Einhorn joins the show today. In this episode, she and Dorothy talk about her journey from attorney to advocate. Theresa shares the hurdles she overcame in a male-dominated legal field and reflects on her experience with those in her life who have fought with breast cancer. She underscores the significance of self-care and sheds light on The Rose's pivotal role in granting healthcare access and fostering advocacy. To support The Rose’s mission and stay updated on e...
Apr 30, 2024•22 min•Season 2Ep. 228
Kathy Stevens joins Dorothy to share her experience with breast cancer. From her initial diagnosis to her current battle with metastatic disease, the conversation takes many turns. You’ll be moved as she recounts the treatments she has undergone, including a double mastectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy. With raw vulnerability, Kathy delves into the emotional challenges that accompanied her journey, like losing her hair, and the uncertainty surrounding her prognosis. Kathy's wisdom extends beyo...
Apr 25, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 227
Mike Hazelrigs takes us on a ride through his life as a biker and his profound involvement with The Rose and Bikers Against Breast Cancer. With candor, he shares the story of meeting his fiancé Kathy, who was diagnosed with cancer, and the challenges they faced together as a couple. Mike's motivation for participating in the Hokohay Motorcycle Challenge is a testament to his unwavering commitment to raising funds and awareness for The Rose. His words resonate with a deep appreciation for the pow...
Apr 23, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 226
What’s it like to be a real live Angel? Marva Skinner shares what it takes and why Angels Surviving Cancer is so important to women. She lost both parents, battled and won her own breast cancer and now spends her time helping others. In this episode, you’ll learn how she found a renewed sense of purpose through her involvement with the organization and as a breast cancer survivor, how her experience guides her in navigating others through their breast cancer journey. You’ll hear why Angels Survi...
Apr 18, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 225
