Cover photo: Luncheon Chair Dinah McClymonds, The Rose CEO Dorothy Gibbons, Honoree Maria Wycoff Boyce
Link to more photos and captions
Houston, TX, April 2, 2025 – The Rose held their annual Everything’s Coming Up Roses Luncheon that brought together Houston’s philanthropic community at River Oaks Country Club, surpassing giving expectations and raising more than $462,000 to provide lifesaving breast health services to uninsured women across Southeast Texas.
This year’s luncheon was chaired by Dinah McClymonds, a breast cancer survivor and longtime advocate, who underscored the importance of early detection and access to care. “All women have the possibility of getting breast cancer, but many of them don’t have the advantages and resources that I had,” McClymonds shared. “The Rose makes sure all women can get access to mammograms and early detection.
Following McClymonds’ remarks, the event honored Maria Wyckoff Boyce, a triple-negative breast cancer survivor, health equity advocate, and longtime supporter of The Rose. A Houston native and retired attorney, Boyce has devoted her time to breast cancer advocacy, policy change, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all women. She serves on The Rose’s Board of Directors and is actively involved in several national breast cancer organizations, including the National Breast Cancer Coalition and the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation.
“Not everyone with breast cancer gets diagnosed early, not everyone has access to the best medical care in the world, and not everyone knows in her heart that she will hit her 5-year mark and never look back,” said Boyce. “That is why I support The Rose, because every woman deserves the same chance.”
Keynote speaker Elena M. Marks, JD, MPH, Senior Fellow in Health Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, has spent her career advocating for health equity and systemic reform. Elena shared the dire consequences of the proposed cuts to Medicaid, stating it will impact those with the fewest resources and those who face the most obstacles to health. These cuts will threaten the four million Texans covered by Medicaid noting that the poor, aged, especially those in nursing homes, and children would suffer the most. She encouraged everyone to contact their representatives stressing that healthcare is a right, not a privilege; every person deserves to live a healthy life.
The event also welcomed a distinguished group of Houston leaders and advocates, including:
Dorothy Ables
Dr. Ann Barnes
Dr. Lori Choi
Julie Dill
Maureen Hackett
Kay Hedges
Lisa Helfman
Dr. Jennifer Litton
Anne Neeson
Regina Rogers
Anne-Laure Stephens
Nancy Strohmer
Delia Stroud
Temple Webber
“This luncheon was not just a beautiful event—it was a powerful testament to what can be accomplished when good people come together,” said Dorothy Gibbons, Co-Founder and CEO of The Rose. “I am so grateful to Dinah and Maria for all their efforts and caring about our community. Together, we are saving lives.”
The success of the luncheon was made possible by the generosity of sponsors and donors, including Rochelle and Alan Jacobson, Carole & Jim Looke/Walter Oil & Gas, Cornelia C. Long, Houston Methodist, Julie Dill, Dr. Mary T. Neal, Syvia & Matt Kerrigan, MD Anderson, Anne-Laure Stephens/Aimee Snoots, and Jenny Elkins among many others. For a full list of underwriters, please visit www.therose.org/luncheon.
To learn more about The Rose or support its mission visit www.therose.org.
To schedule a media interview with any member of The Rose, please contact Ivis Batista at 978-885-7306 or email [email protected]. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, please visit www.therose.org.
About The Rose
Since 1986, The Rose has provided a full range of breast health services to more than one million patients. Its mission is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. As one of 12 ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Centers in Houston, The Rose is led by Fellowship trained physicians and its nationally recognized Patient Navigation Program ensures access to treatment and a continuum of care for all women. As a major part of Southeast Texas’ Healthcare Safety Net, The Rose is a strong advocate for access to care. Annually, The Rose provides direct medical services to 40,000 insured and uninsured patients. Two Houston-based comprehensive Diagnostic Centers and a fleet of Mobile Mammography Coaches provide services to women throughout 45 counties in Southeast Texas.
