At this year’s annual luncheon, The Rose will honor Nancy Strohmer and Shelley Cooper, an inspiring mother-daughter duo whose story reflects the strength, resilience, and hope at the heart of The Rose’s mission. Both are breast cancer survivors. Nancy overcame Stage 2 breast cancer after it was detected during her annual mammogram, eight years after her daughter, Shelley, faced and beat breast cancer herself.
Shelley’s journey is especially powerful. At just 40 years old, she had to advocate for her own screening mammogram at a time when many physicians were not recommending them until age 50. Because she fought for that screening, her cancer was found. Together, Nancy and Shelley’s shared experience is a moving reminder that early detection and access to care do more than save lives — they give families more time, more memories, and more hope.
This year’s luncheon is chaired by Mitra Wody, a passionate advocate for ensuring that every woman has access to life-saving breast cancer screening. She believes deeply that access to care should never depend on income, insurance status, or zip code. Through that same commitment, The Rose continues to be a beacon of hope for thousands of women, providing high-quality breast health services to all, regardless of their ability to pay.
Guests will also hear from renowned breast surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Bonefas, assistant professor of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, who cared for both Nancy and Shelley, as well as one of The Rose’s youngest patients, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 18 years old. Their stories together will shine a light on the life-changing power of compassionate care, early detection, and the unwavering mission of The Rose.
To buy luncheon tickets, head over to therose.org/luncheon.
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.
