Let's Talk About Your Breasts

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...

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 ther...

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 epi...

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, a...

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 los...

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...

Julie Stobbe's life took a dramatic turn from Broadway stages to confronting a breast cancer diagnosis, but she transformed adversity into action. Supported by her family, students, and community, she became a beacon of hope and openness. Her leadership in events like Paint the Path Pink now brings strength and awareness to countless others. If this conversation matters to you, share the episode w...

In this mini-episode, Dorothy talks about the importance of setting goals for the new year. She sets one-hundred six goals every year. ONE-HUNDRED SIX! Dorothy will go over why she writes hers down and how we should write ours down. Keyword: WRITE. You'll hear the exact words to use and which ones to avoid at all costs. We'd love to know your goals. After writing them down, tag us on Facebook and...

Inspired by personal experience and her nursing career, Anne McAwley-LeDuc, wrote the Personal Health Organizer to help people keep track of vital information. Even small details like allergies or childhood immunizations can make a difference in medical emergencies. Creating your record today means you’re prepared for whatever comes tomorrow. Learn more about Anne’s book here .  I...

What does it take to turn a breast cancer diagnosis into a mission to help others? Carol Grimaldi is the co-founder of Together in Pink, an organization born from her own breast cancer experience. In this episode, you’ll hear how Carol: Brings comfort bags to women going through chemotherapy Uses movement and Zumba as a tool for healing Makes sure women understand their own diagnosis Dorothy...

In this Season Three finale of Let’s Talk About Your Breasts , Dorothy looks back on a year of change at The Rose. She reflects on a lifetime of work, sharing stories of patients, staff, and miracles that kept the mission moving. This episode holds the heart of The Rose, the calling, the faith, and the decision to keep going as long as one more woman needs help. If this conversation matters...

Ann Meyn started her advocacy in the 1990s, launching support groups and sharing the message of early detection. Even while facing aggressive treatments, she continued teaching, volunteering, and helping others understand cancer. With a scientific mindset, she shaped patient support and influenced research, guiding the next generation of advocates. Today, she joins Dorothy to reflect on their frie...

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...

Dr. Angela Sturm joins Dorothy to share how her work as a facial plastic surgeon centers on empowering women and building self-confidence. With a blend of surgical skill and empathy, Dr. Sturm guides patients through life-changing procedures, always focusing on the person behind the procedure. Her leadership in medicine and advocacy for cancer survivors remind us all that self-care is a powerful s...

Dr. Fernando Angarita sits down with Dorothy to talk about what drives his practice at Houston Methodist. From his start in Colombia to his commitment in Houston, Dr. Angarita centers every decision on building trust and supporting each woman’s choices. Every patient in his care gets respectful, individualized attention, no matter her circumstances. Learn more about Dr. Angarita HERE . Suppo...

Josh and Usman open up about what it means to intern at The Rose, trading textbooks for real stories and discovering just how much impact one person can make. They dive into mentorship, the value of compassionate care, and the energy that comes from working with a team committed to change. Over two conversations, you’ll hear their honest reflections, hopes for the future, and a glimpse of wh...

A bustling port fuels more than trade. It sustains everyday life in ways most never see. Garret Berg and Jessica Mendoza from Port Houston share how the Houston Ship Channel keeps the city moving, from the clothes we wear to the cars we drive. Through their work, they connect communities, support local nonprofits like The Rose, and create opportunities for families across the region. Beneath the s...

A lifetime in finance taught Bob Tenczar the value of strategy, but retirement showed him the deeper value of service. Inspired by his mother’s battle with breast cancer, Bob committed himself to giving back through organizations like The Rose and Avance Houston. His passion for helping underserved communities access care has turned volunteering into his life’s second chapter: one defi...

A doctor’s choice to walk beside patients through their hardest moments comes from a calling to serve with both skill and heart. Dr. Angela Coscio’s love for people led her from lab research to breast cancer specialization, where she witnesses courage every day. At St. Luke’s, she finds purpose in connecting deeply with patients, guiding them through treatment with compassion and...

A breast cancer diagnosis can become the turning point that empowers someone to take charge of their own care. Kristina Keller’s story shows the strength found in self-research, faith, and collaboration with her medical team while battling Stage IV cancer. She knew her dense breast tissue was an issue and found a problem during a self-exam. The combination inspired her to write the book Touc...

Dr. Mahdieh Parizi is a pioneer in women’s healthcare at the VA, and she speaks with Dorothy about the introduction of patient self-scheduling for mammograms and improving patient return rates. Additionally, Dr. Parizi shares insights on balancing professional and personal responsibilities, advocating for regular mammograms despite mixed recommendations, and overcoming insurance hurdles. Wit...

Early brain development shapes not only how a woman thinks and feels but also how she builds relationships and maintains her health throughout life. Dr. Quianta Moore returns to the share how the idea that the interactions and support children receive, especially from caregivers, form the brain’s architecture. Without consistent nurturing, families may face long-term impacts on confidence an...

Samina Farid’s first connection with The Rose showed her the true power of support and the lifesaving results of research. Surrounded by survivors, she found her purpose in advancing new treatments and sharing her story to inspire others. She returns to the podcast to reflect on her journey and champion openness, education, and participation that drive the fight against cancer forward. Suppo...

Shannon Lecoq has spent nearly 30 years fighting cancer, supporting patients, and building partnerships that save lives. Her work with the American Cancer Society and The Rose has led to some surprising stories, unexpected lessons, and a focus on: Raising vital funds so that everyone can access breast healthcare Navigating patients through their toughest moments, whether insured or uninsured Empow...

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 Key Questions Ans...