She Made a Film About Breast Cancer, Then Received Her Own Diagnosis
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 symptoms, and accepting support.
Never Too Busy for Your Health: A Houston Leader’s Breast Cancer Story
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 through chemotherapy and radiation, and learning that no job, family obligation, or busy schedule should come before your health. She talks about screening, self-advocacy, compassion in the workplace, Houston’s generous spirit, and why every woman deserves access to early detection and treatment.
Early Detection, Big Love: A Breast Cancer Journey With Southern Smoke Foundation
Lindsey shares how regular mammograms and ultrasounds helped catch her cancer, what aggressive treatment looked like, and why the anticipation often felt worse than the treatment itself. Together, she and Chris talk about community support, a pink wig, a porch full of pumpkins, giant pink balloons, ringing the bell after chemotherapy, and the small rituals that helped them find joy along the way.
Finding a Lump at 18 and Building a Life Beyond Breast Cancer
A breast self-exam changed Montsy Duron’s life before she was even out of high school. 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, and become a mother. She talks honestly about fear, recovery, family, faith, and the message she wants every young woman to hear: know your body, trust your instincts, ask for help, and remember that you can do hard things.
How One Woman Survived Breast Cancer One Year Postpartum During the Pandemic
Aeliya Jaffar, a former pharmacist diagnosed with breast cancer postpartum during the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with the loss of her grandmother, shares her poignant journey, balancing strength, heroism, and humor throughout her experiences.
Diagnosed at 34: Amber Gonzalez’s Triple Negative Breast Cancer Journey
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 strong support can mean for young women facing breast cancer.
Why Being Your Own Advocate Could Save Your Life
LaTreace 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.
From Survivor to Board Chair: Maria Boyce’s Fight for Breast Health Equity
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 through patient advocacy to making a legacy gift for future generations, Maria discusses how early detection, dedicated advocacy, and community support save lives. If this conversation has inspired you to join the fight against breast cancer, share this episode with family and friends and consider making a donation at therose.org so another woman gets the care she needs.
Faith, Chemo, and T-Shirts: A Survivor Who Refuses to Whisper
Safiya felt a lump at 36, had no insurance, and almost didn’t know where to turn. Thankfully, a referral brought her to The Rose, where our patient navigation team helped her qualify for breast cancer treatment and got her first appointment at MD Anderson scheduled in just 15 days. Through all of it, our navigators walked alongside her, and her faith, anchored by a prayer her father read her the day she was diagnosed, carried her the rest of the way.
Breaking Cultural Taboos: A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Story in the South Asian Community
How do you talk about breast cancer when it’s something your community rarely discusses, sometimes because of culture, sometimes because of faith, and sometimes just because it’s hard?