Leah Adams currently serves as Vice President of Engagement at Houston’s Institute for Spirituality and Health. Her path to the Institute began decades ago and her journey is one of resilience and connection—turning grief into a mission to help others heal. Since 1955, the Institute has brought spirituality into healthcare, education, and community programs, offering support groups, professional training, and resources that nurture mind, body, and spirit. In this episode, Dorothy Gibbons and Lea...
Sep 23, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 401
Becca Johnson shares the sequence of events that led to her breast cancer diagnosis and what happened next. Initial mammograms and consultations showed no clear issues, but persistent symptoms led Becca to push for further testing. When the diagnosis came, she documented every detail and sought support from medical staff and loved ones. Becca describes communicating with her children and organizing her next steps. Faith guided her choices as she incorporated both conventional treatment and alter...
Sep 18, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 400
¿Qué pasa después del diagnóstico? Elizabeth nos cuenta cómo su rol de navegadora de pacientes cambia vidas, brindando no solo recursos médicos, sino también esperanza, comunidad y contención emocional. Desde el diagnóstico hasta la recuperación, ella se convierte en guía, consejera y ángel para quienes enfrentan una de las luchas más difíciles de su vida. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 17, 2025•28 min•Season 3Ep. 399
Dr. Quianta Moore grew up in Pennsylvania, moved to Texas, and then found her path through medicine, law, and policy. She now leads the Hackett Center for Mental Health where she’s focused on access to care, early brain development, and what happens to women during times like menopause or postpartum. We’ll learn what shaped her career and why she took risks to tackle gaps in women’s health. We’ll talk about mental health challenges uniquely impacting women, from isolation to the cost and coverag...
Sep 16, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 398
No, Mammograms are Not a “One and Done” Procedure Crowd favorite Dr. Raz joins Dorothy to shed light on the importance of mammograms in detecting breast cancer early. He gets granular by explaining what a mammogram is and why it’s important to have one every year. Changing guidelines have left many women confused over the year, and Dr. Raz’s insights clear the air. He emphasizes the need for consistency and punctuality in mammogram screenings to catch cancer early and improve survivability. Supp...
Sep 11, 2025•13 min•Season 3Ep. 397
Meredith Hilliard, armed with the knowledge of her BRCA gene and her family's history, decided to have a robotic prophylactic mastectomy to avert the disease that haunted her relatives. Supported by her community and inspired by her mother’s experience, she became one of the first in Texas to try this innovative procedure. Her story is one of preparation, courage, and hope for a cancer-free future. Support The Rose HERE . Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , i...
Sep 09, 2025•21 min•Season 3Ep. 396
Lolita Guarin doesn’t call herself a stress management expert because she's studied it. She calls herself one because she's lived it. We talk about: the patterns we carry from childhood and how they shape our reactions, the signals our bodies send when we've reached a limit, and how self-compassion starts with a single decision to pause and notice. Hear how Lolita turned her own story into a message for others. Subscribe to Lolita’s YouTube channel here . Learn more about Lolita’s C.A.L.M. metho...
Sep 04, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 395
How do you create a network where women feel safe to share their stories and support one another? Amber Jamshed started the Houston Professional Women Organization to answer that question. She builds platforms for women—so they can connect, mentor each other, and grow. In this episode, we’ll explore: The challenges and opportunities as a first-generation immigrant How to break barriers and change the narrative around women supporting women Why health and self-care need to be priorities for every...
Sep 02, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 394
How does a young boy’s traumatic introduction to cancer shape his lifelong journey? Kirk Cox's early encounters with his mother's breast cancer in the 60s profoundly affected him. Watching her bravery through invasive surgeries and treatments left an indelible mark. This personal history guided him as he later managed his Aunt Dottie's care and faced the tragic loss of his own child. Support The Rose HERE . Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , iHeart , and whe...
Aug 28, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 393
Why do you have to answer so many questions before a mammogram? What happens if you forget part of your medical history when making an appointment? And what do you need to know as a first-time patient or if you don’t have insurance? Today, The Rose Galleria's Center Manager Araceli Salazar joins the show to talk about how you can make your visit easier, and how the answers you give to our list of questions may even save your life. Support The Rose HERE . Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breast...
Aug 26, 2025•24 min•Season 3Ep. 392
What leads someone to join a nonprofit board when they don’t have a personal connection to the cause? For Tina Saenz, it was a Board Fellows program. She gained a new perspective on women’s health through work with the Rose. Being from a rural area, Tina also saw firsthand the challenges women face getting care. Today, I serve as both a board member and a patient. Learn how volunteering expanded her understanding of healthcare access Hear why company support matters for nonprofit involvement Und...
Aug 21, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 391
No tener seguro no significa no tener opciones. Acompáñanos a descubrir cómo The Rose y el programa Mamografía A Hogar Médico están ayudando a mujeres a recuperar el control sobre su salud — una historia a la vez. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 20, 2025•21 min•Season 3Ep. 390
How do you create a business that serves a community and supports women at the same time? Sharon Haynes started out as an artist, spent years in the restaurant industry, and opened Tacos a Go Go with just one small location and a big idea. She learned about the importance of Tex-Mex in Houston, worked through hard times, and made supporting women’s health a part of her mission. Today, she shares: How she built her business from the ground up Why she brings mobile mammography to her employees Wha...
Aug 19, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 389
Pam Lovett has dedicated years to making an impact in the community, especially for women and families, and she’s still supporting organizations like The Rose, even after stepping away from the board. In this episode, Pam talks about: Why passion and preparation matter for board members How connecting with others leads to lasting change What it takes to keep a mission moving forward, no matter what Support The Rose HERE . Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , i...
Aug 14, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 388
What happens when a diagnosis changes everything you thought you knew about your body and your life? Lyndsay Levingston was a rising media professional when she found a lump in her breast at 36. She learned she was the 14th woman in her family with breast cancer and started the nonprofit SurviveHER to help other women navigate this journey. Today, she's: Sharing how her story led to new purpose Talking about why family history and genetic status matter Explaining what advocacy looks like before ...
Aug 12, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 387
What happens when you’re diagnosed with breast cancer at 42, while running a business, raising a family, and just married? Today, Dorothy talks with Gaylyn, a longtime Rose patient and community volunteer, who found a lump in her breast, advocated for herself, and learned what it means to lean on others. Key insights from this episode: How early detection shaped her journey What it means to accept help Finding strength through connection with others Support The Rose HERE . Subscribe to Let’s Tal...
Aug 07, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 386
Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast, including discussions about diet, nutrition, and other health topics by our guest surgeon, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your medical condition, health, or diet. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard i...
Aug 06, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 385
The Rose turns 39! What does it take to build something that stands the test of time? You’ll hear how the Rose began with two women facing major challenges. You’ll hear about: How early cases motivated a mission for early detection The obstacles that nearly brought the Rose to a halt The community support that keeps this place going This special episode honors their legacy, tackles barriers for the uninsured, and reveals why The Rose means a better life for thousands. Support The Rose HERE . Sub...
Aug 05, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 384
Have you ever seen a big pink coach parked outside an office or church and wondered what it takes to bring mammograms right to the community? Candice Saxton is the person behind making those visits happen. She’s built programs that: Help women get breast screenings where they work and live Guide uninsured women through every step Make it easier for busy people to prioritize their health Candice is here to explain what it takes to host a mobile mammography day and why it matters. Subscribe to Let...
Jul 31, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 383
What happens when someone sees a problem that feels too big to fix? I was at lunch with a friend, sharing the challenges our women face just to get a mammogram, and a simple question turned into a $100,000 opportunity for our community. Matching gifts mean every dollar goes further for women who need care Stories from women who’ve been helped inspire them to give back Our campaign deadline is almost here Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , iHeart , and wherev...
Jul 29, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 382
What does it mean to change lives without ever asking for recognition? Today, I sit down with the woman who kept the Rose open during the pandemic, who started a new program for women without doctors, and who gives quietly, both here and across the world. Listen for: How an unexpected meeting led to a million-dollar gift Why being anonymous matters to her How one person’s generosity created real change for women who need it most Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts , Spot...
Jul 24, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 381
What does the future hold for breast cancer treatment? Dr. Raz is here to talk about microwaving and freezing cancers, how staging works, and the role of artificial intelligence in finding new therapies and risks. In this episode, you’ll hear: What cancer staging really means and why it matters New ways doctors might treat breast cancer with less invasive methods How AI could shape breast cancer care and risk assessment Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , iHe...
Jul 22, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 380
How do you decide what goes into your body, and what does that really mean for your health? Most of us don’t know where to start, or even realize that things like medicines and everyday products could be depleting our nutrition. Sarah Cain faced cancer, joined a clinical trial, and discovered what science can tell us about the vitamins and supplements we actually need. In this episode, you'll hear: Why early detection and listening to your body can make a difference How nutrition, environment, a...
Jul 17, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 379
Mamografía a Hogar Médico es más que un nombre: es una puerta abierta a la salud integral para mujeres que lo necesitan. Escucha cómo este programa ha transformado preocupaciones en tranquilidad y esperanza. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 16, 2025•21 min•Season 3Ep. 378
Dr. Ashley Steinberg traces the beginning of her journey to becoming a plastic surgeon back to an Oxford Medical sweatshirt she received at age four. You'll hear how she navigated a family outside the world of medicine, what drew her to breast reconstruction, and why emotional health is a key part of recovery. Dr. Steinberg explains the importance of patient education, her approach to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and the value she places on making a difference in her patients' confidence...
Jul 15, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 377
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...
Jul 10, 2025•55 min•Season 3Ep. 376
Why do some physicians dedicate their lives to serving the under-resourced and uninsured? Dr. Mary T. Neal joins Dorothy to share her path from early aspirations, through medical school at a young age, to years in private practice and volunteer work at San Jose Clinic. She describes her shift from pediatrics to obstetrics and gynecology, explaining why she values relationships with pregnant women and their families. At San Jose Clinic, Dr. Neal assists women with gynecological care and helps gui...
Jul 08, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 375
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. Twelve years after her diagnosis at eighteen years old, Montserrat is speaking about...
Jul 03, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 374
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. 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,...
Jul 01, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 373
What does it really mean to build a network that changes lives? Sarah Cain saw a need—not just for business growth, but for women to connect, support, and lift each other up. She started Women Driving Business to bring all kinds of women together, creating real relationships and she used her own challenges—including a cancer gene—to show how information and action matter. Sarah's story shows how asking for help and sharing our experiences can lead to opportunities, health, and even hope. Support...
Jun 26, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 372
