Let's Talk About Your Breasts

A film about breast cancer became personal before its release. Producer Erin E. Mitchell joins Roxann Hayford to discuss Outriding the Devil and her own recent breast cancer diagnosis. She shares why she initially delayed having a lump checked, how the woman featured in her film became a source of strength, and what her first chemotherapy treatment taught her about asking questions, reporting symp...

A small lump led to a life-changing diagnosis, but early action, excellent care, and a strong circle of support helped Nancy Meyer become a 25-year breast cancer survivor. In this episode, Houston Chronicle President and Publisher Nancy Meyer joins The Rose CEO Angie Lane to share the personal story behind her public leadership. Nancy recalls hearing the words “breast cancer,” going th...

*This episode originally aired on The Hairy Chin Podcast with Spencer Moore Learn more about The Hairy Chin Podcast: https://thehairychin.substack.com/ Support The Rose: https://therose.org/ A mammogram takes about 10 minutes. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I talk with Angie Lane, CEO of The Rose in Houston, about everything it takes to get women to those 10 minutes, and what happens after. W...

Breast health gets less scary when you know what to expect. In this episode, Dr. Raz breaks down breast health basics: when to start mammograms, what happens during a screening, why 3D mammography matters, and how dense breast tissue can affect both risk and imaging. He also explains the difference between a screening mammogram, diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, and biopsy—plus what breast can...

A breast cancer diagnosis changes everything, but no one should have to face it alone. In this episode, Southern Smoke Foundation Executive Director Lindsey Brown shares what it was like to receive a breast cancer diagnosis in the middle of the organization’s busiest season. Chef Chris Shepherd joins her to talk honestly about being the caregiver, showing up for every appointment, navigating...

A high school self-exam changed Montsy Duron’s life before she even knew what one was supposed to feel like. In this episode, Montsy shares how a brochure from The Rose led her to find a lump at 18, why repeated tumors led to a mastectomy and reconstruction at 21, and how surviving a health crisis gave her the strength to finish college, become a first-generation graduate, lead an HR team, a...

Pink shows up everywhere in October, but at The Rose, it means more than awareness. It means mammograms, patient navigation, gas cards, and care for women who might otherwise go without. In this episode, The Rose CEO Angie Lane talks with fundraising manager Shannon McNair about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the community partners who make the mission possible. They highlight Nice Winery&rsquo...

In this episode, Chantel Williams shares her background as a military brat and transition from logistics to finance.  Chantel's involvement with the Junior League of Houston is a testament to her commitment to community service. As the outside board representative for The Rose, she offers a unique perspective, highlighting the invaluable opportunity for Junior League members to serve on nonpr...

For Miroslava De Leon, finding purpose proved to be impossible as a supply chain analyst. So she left Corporate America and became a paramedical tattoo artist. After pushback from her inner circle, she persevered and has now helped countless women look and feel their best with 3D areola tattoos through her business Conceal Touch . During this episode, Dorothy and Miroslava discuss her career switc...

Aeliya Jaffar’s story is both harrowing and inspiring. She’s a former pharmacist who was diagnosed with breast cancer one year postpartum  during the COVID-19 pandemic. As if that’s not enough heartache, her paternal grandmother passed away. During this episode, Aeliya gets candid about her struggles, her triumphs, and she shares her story with an unflinching attitude of strength and heroism with...

An itch, a small lump, and a thirty four year old mom who refused to ignore what her hand felt. Amber Gonzalez shares how a pea sized lump led to a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis, aggressive chemo, surgery, and hard decisions about what to tell her children. From cold caps and hats to long days at Texas Oncology with her mother at her side, Amber shows what early action, self exams, and s...

LaTrease Price-Gistard didn't know about The Rose when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. She's convinced things would have ended up quite differently if she had. During this episode, we talk about her breast cancer journey, the effects of her battle as it relates to her children, and how she ended up serving as a volunteer for The Rose. Help us grow the show by leaving a review on your p...

Former 36-year trial attorney, breast cancer survivor, and a passionate advocate fighting for healthcare equity. Maria Boyce steps into her new role as Board Chair of The Rose, channeling her own life-saving early diagnosis into a mission to ensure quality breast healthcare is a right for all women, not a privilege. From navigating structural barriers across 45 Texas counties and supporting women...

Stage one, double mastectomy, and a woman who refuses to keep breast cancer quiet. Marla Hurley is a business owner, fashion show producer, and mother of three who found a lump high on her chest, pushed for answers, and chose an aggressive surgical path that let her skip chemo and radiation. From dense breasts and high risk screening to posting every step of reconstruction and inspiring other wome...

Ashley Dedmon is a women's health advocate. This week, she shares her compelling story to ensuring she never experiences breast cancer. As a BRCA2 positive patient and having lost her mother to breast cancer, Ashley made the difficult decision to have a double mastectomy. She also speaks about the impact of her father's cancer diagnosis and how it strengthened her resolve. During this episode, you...

Work that never ends, bodies that never rest, and a woman who finally stepped off the treadmill. Emilee Whitehurst returns for another conversation about taking a personal sabbatical from nonstop work, listening to her body again, and building simple practices that support her health, her purpose, and her ability to show up for others. Her story gives anyone in caregiving, nonprofit work, or healt...

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 di...

Stories start on the phones and in the studio long before you ever hit play. Caitlyn McCraw walked into The Rose as a marketing intern and walked out with a deep understanding of patient stories, breast health, and what it means to know your own body. From cold calling women about their mammograms to learning her own breast tissue and normal baselines, Caitlyn shows how small projects and self adv...

What started in 1986 with one paid employee, two volunteers, a donated mammography machine, and used furniture from garage sales, has blossomed into an organization that serves over forty thousand Texans across forty-three counties. On August 1st, The Rose celebrated her 37th birthday. Yes, her birthday. Not "its 37th anniversary." During this episode, you'll learn why The Rose is viewed as a woma...

Dense breasts change how screening works and make early detection even more critical. Lynn Dozier shares how a free mammogram at Texas Southern led to follow up care at The Rose, ongoing monitoring of calcifications, and a new level of ownership over her breast health. Along the way, she talks about Skate Church, community, and staying mentally strong while friends faced breast cancer. Support The...

What inspires a company's commitment to community support and engagement?  Michael Bland, Capital Project Stewardship Leader at Celanese, illustrates how their proactive approach led them to The Rose, supporting its mission through donations and involvement. From providing much-needed chemo kits to actively participating in community events, Celanese has become a partner rather than just a do...

A veteran nonprofit CEO and minister walks away from the top job to take a year‑long “power pause” for her health, her daughters, and her sanity. In this first conversation, Emilee Whitehurst traces her path from human biology and divinity school into community organizing, parish ministry, and leadership at Interfaith Action of Central Texas, the Rothko Chapel, Planned Parenthood, and...

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 f...

A seasoned grant writer pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to fund an Indiana‑sized breast care service area with five pink mobile coaches and thousands of uninsured women. In this episode, Anna Caballero explains how she matches The Rose’s mission with state programs, foundations, and local donors, why rural counties and maintenance funds matter as much as screening dollars, and...

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 dela...