Let's Talk About Your Breasts

Roxann Hayford works as The Rose's Marketing Project Coordinator. Her skills as a communicator were put to the test, as she decided to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. And she passed! During this conversation, you'll not only learn why she chose to Jump for The Rose, but you'll also hear how she talked about The Rose's mission while floating thousands of feet in the air. Help us grow the sho...

How much of a game changer is breast MRI for high-risk women? Dr. Raz joins the podcast to talk about this very subject. We'll explore why MRI is crucial for early detection and how it compares to mammograms. Dr. Raz discusses who's considered high-risk and why combined screening methods are essential. As Dr. Raz emphasizes, "When you catch it early, it's curable." Join us to learn how advanced im...

How did a pageant queen become a beacon of support for breast cancer awareness? Destiny Fernandisse's commitment to The Rose stems from personal experiences with breast cancer in her family. Her mother's battles with the disease, particularly when she was uninsured, inspired Destiny to give back. Now, she organizes unique fundraisers, such as casino nights, to ensure women like her mother receive...

Daniel Barron lost his sister to inflammatory breast cancer in 2005. There was no history of breast cancer in their family. And Ana was too young to die, only 30 years old. She had two small children and had her entire life ahead of her. The symptoms were not the typical you associate with breast cancer. Initially, the symptoms were passed off as mastitis. During this episode, Dorothy and Daniel s...

Darcie Wells' leadership at CanCare during COVID-19 highlights adaptability and resilience. The transition to virtual support expanded their reach from Houston-based services to a national clientele, supporting people in all 50 states. With over 500 volunteers and innovative tools like CanCare Connect, they ensure personalized support for cancer patients nationwide. Key Questions Answered 1. How d...

The Rose's latest initiative integrates genetic testing to identify high-risk patients more effectively. Amanda Gujral, Nurse Practitioner of The Rose's Mammogram to Medical Home Program, emphasizes the importance of knowing one's genetic risk during this podcast episode with Dorothy Gibbons. This comprehensive approach aims to improve early detection and personalized care. Key Questions Answered...

Breast cancer robbed Lorraine Fox of her sister at the age of thirty-three. And it tried to take her life as well. During this episode, you’ll hear about Lorraine’s journey while raising her two-year old son and five-year old nephew.  Lorraine and her son De’Aaron Fox, who basketball fans will know as a star player for the Sacramento Kings, have since started the Fox Whole Family Foundation, which...

En esta segunda parte, Amanda comparte en profundidad su experiencia con el tratamiento contra el cáncer de mama, abarcando desde la quimioterapia hasta la cirugía. Además, aborda los tabúes culturales en torno al cáncer de mama y la salud dentro de la comunidad hispana. Amanda explica cómo enfrentó la falta de seguro médico y subraya la importancia del autocuidado y la exploración regular para la...

En este episodio, se presenta la historia de Amanda, diagnosticada con cáncer de mama a los 40 años. Amanda comparte cómo descubrió el bulto durante una autoexploración y los pasos que siguió hasta recibir su diagnóstico. Se destaca la importancia de la detección temprana y cómo su fe la ayudó a enfrentar la adversidad. Amanda revela sus experiencias con el diagnóstico, el apoyo recibido, y las em...

Max Gerall's journey from aspiring basketball player to founder of Reach is a testament to resilience and empathy. Struck by Guillain-Barré syndrome and forever changed by the support of Miss Melissa Martinez, Max focused on empowering service workers. A transformative encounter ignited his mission to bridge communities and improve lives. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Max Gerall's experience w...

Ryan Levy, the winemaker and owner of Nice Winery in Houston, Texas, shares the story behind their philanthropic efforts. For the past decade, Nice Winery has produced and sold a special rosé wine, with all proceeds supporting The Rose, a breast center of excellence. This initiative began when breast cancer survivor Emma Jacobs approached Ryan with a bold challenge to use his winemaking for a caus...

His cross country motorcycle challenge was so epic, we brought him back again! Mike Hazelrig's participation in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was driven by his desire to support the fight against breast cancer. He journeyed from Texas to Alaska to raise funds for uninsured patients of The Rose. His ride wasn't just about miles but about making a significant impact on the community and inspirin...

Why would someone choose to endure a grueling 11,017-mile motorcycle challenge during a hurricane? Mike embarked on the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge to raise funds for breast cancer, inspired by his fiancée Kathy's battle. Facing extreme weather and countless obstacles, his journey was marked by humanity and camaraderie. Through this quest, Mike raised more than $27,000 for The Rose. 1. What is t...

What motivates individuals to champion breast cancer awareness and access to care? In this episode, The Rose board member Tina Saenz shares her passion for helping women, especially those in rural areas, gain access to breast cancer screenings. Despite not having a personal connection to breast cancer, Tina emphasizes the importance of regular mammograms and screenings. Her involvement with The Ro...

Do angels really exist? According to Vanessa Jackson, indeed they do and hers helped her survive breast cancer and domestic violence. From the safety of a shelter, and uninsured, she faced a diagnosis and treatment, but despite the worst of circumstances, Vanessa Jackson’s spirit remained unbroken. And today, we hear her story. Vanessa shares the hurdles she encountered and the support she receive...

En este episodio, Ana comparte su conmovedora historia sobre cómo descubrió un bulto en su seno en 2020 mientras realizaba trabajos en el jardín, lo que finalmente llevó a su diagnóstico de cáncer de mama en etapa 3. Detalla su experiencia durante la pandemia de COVID-19, incluyendo su tratamiento, las decisiones difíciles que tuvo que tomar respecto a una doble mastectomía y la reconstrucción de...

Monserrat's decision to perform a self-exam after attending a health 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. Elizabeth Bonefas, she navigated a grueling journey towards recovery and advocacy.  Twelve years after her diagnosis at eighteen years old...

Shannon McNair and LaTonya Perez join Dorothy Gibbons to talk about all the ways The Rose paints October pink with third-party fundraising events. These activities raise crucial funds for the uninsured and they bring communities together in support of the cause. Whether it's a taekwondo event, a workout, or a unique taco fundraiser, every contribution counts. Key Questions Answered 1. What is the...

October is a pivotal time for The Rose, a breast cancer organization that emphasizes both awareness and action. With the theme "Thank you for being a friend," we encourage you and the women in your life to schedule mammograms and support others in the fight against breast cancer. This month is about fostering community and providing vital aid. Key Questions Answered  1. What is the significance of...

Why is it important to raise money for The Rose through various fundraising efforts? Fundraising Manager Shannon McNair sat down with Mike Hazelrigs to discuss his ten thousand mile motorcycle ride across America for The Rose. Shannon emphasizes that fundraising for The Rose helps provide essential medical services, and it's crucial for supporting those in need. Mike highlighted the significance o...

What factors contribute to breast density?  Dr. Raz answers listeners’ questions and explains the multifaceted nature of breast density, highlighting genetics as the primary factor. Hormonal influences, obesity levels, and age all play additional roles. His discussion makes clear that breast density varies among women, and not all influencing factors carry the same weight. Download this episode to...

The Rose's Hispanic outreach program began in 1999. So starting a Spanish version of Let's Talk About Your Breasts is a no-brainer. Titled Hablemos de Nuestros Senos , Dorothy and Communications Manager Elda Gavidia discuss the expansion of the show. And they emphasize the cultural sensitivity and the need to communicate in the listener's native language. The stories these women share will inspire...

This episode stresses the importance of communication within families about serious illnesses, as Brooke Baugh shares her own experience with her mother's breast cancer diagnosis. Dorothy and Brooke talk about transforming grief into positive action and the critical role of community service. They highlight the impact of The Rose and the partnerships that help uninsured women receive necessary scr...

When we launched the podcast, our employees told Dorothy, “You have to interview Brittany.”  The interview has finally arrived. Brittany Weston began as a student and is now one of The Rose’s lead mammographers. During school, both her mother and grandmother were diagnosed with breast cancer. So this isn’t just a career, it’s a purpose. During this episode, Dorothy and Brittany discuss ultrasounds...

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...