From Plastics to Patient Advocate: Honoring Shelley Cooper at This Year’s Everything’s Coming Up Roses Luncheon

Shelley didn’t see herself as “an honoree.” She saw herself as a working mom in a male‑dominated industry who just wanted to stay ahead of breast cancer. In this conversation, she walks us through the mammogram she almost didn’t get, the stage zero DCIS diagnosis that still shook her, and the 10 years of follow‑up, skin checks, and colonoscopies that followed. Her story reminds us that early detection, asking questions, and having access to care—like the care The Rose offers uninsured and underinsured women—can change everything.

The Adventurer’s Guide to Surviving Breast Cancer

Trusting your instincts can change everything. Dorothy Gibbons and Jenny Fitzpatrick talk about early breast cancer diagnosis, persistent self-advocacy, and navigating treatment as a young mother. Jenny Fitzpatrick describes celebrating survivorship, building community, and creating new traditions. Stories connect lives. Experiences shape what comes next.

The Studio That Heals: Ballet, Children, and the Heart of Survival

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.

Boobies and Babes: Empowering Younger Women for Breast Health

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, and living dreams fully.

Stobbe Strong: Lessons in Courage, Compassion, and Kicking Cancer to the Curb

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.

From Survivor to Advocate: Ann Meyn’s Lessons for the Next Generation

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 friendship and impact on The Rose’s community.

Blessings in the Battle: Discovering Grace Through Breast Cancer’s Trials

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.

Championing Women’s Health: Dr. Sturm’s Approach to Aesthetic Medicine

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 statement of strength.

Advancements in Breast Cancer: Dr. Angarita’s Global Perspective

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.

Community Impact: How Port Houston Partners with Nonprofits Like The Rose

A bustling port fuels more than trade. It sustains everyday life in ways most never see. Garret Berg and Jessica Mendoza and 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 surface, the port’s reach extends far beyond the water.