Meet One of The Rose’s Youngest Diagnosed Patients

Montserrat Duron

Monserrat’s decision to perform a self-exam after attending a health fair changed the trajectory of her life. Upon finding a lump, she faced unimaginable challenges due to a lack of insurance. Yet, with the support of The Rose and the steadfast care of Dr. Bonefas, she navigated a grueling journey towards recovery and advocacy. 

God Winks, Ringing Bells, and The Rose: Nancy and Shelley’s Shared Journey as Honorees at the Everything’s Coming Up Roses Luncheon

Nancy and Shelley

Nancy and Shelley didn’t plan to share a breast cancer story, much less two very different diagnoses, eight years apart. One faced stage zero DCIS at 41 after pushing for a 3D mammogram; the other walked into an annual screening, felt no lump, and still heard “stage two HER2‑positive.” In this conversation, we talk about what happens when two pragmatic, organized women lean on faith, friendship, and their networks to move fast on treatment—then turn around and use their experience to champion The Rose and the women who rely on us for access to mammograms, diagnostics, and compassionate care.

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

Shelley Cooper

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.

Cold Caps and Warm Hearts: Two Friends Versus Breast Cancer

Rochelle and Anne Laure

How do you respond when a friend faces a diagnosis that changes everything? What does real support look like during breast cancer treatment? In this episode, you’ll hear how friendship, early detection, and self-advocacy made a difference. You’ll also learn about the challenges of treatment, the role of caregivers, and ways communities rally when it’s needed most.

Friendship in the Face of Breast Cancer

Ronnie Haggerty

Today, Dorothy is joined by Ronnie Hagerty, a board member who shares her experience in the nonprofit sector. Ronnie emphasizes the need for nonprofits to operate using best business practices and highlights the misconception that nonprofits don’t need money.

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

Cookie Joe

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.

The Power of Gratitude: A Woman’s Positive Attitude Throughout Her Cancer Battle

Joanne Patterson

Joanne shares her deeply personal journey of being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. 
Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, Joanne stayed positive. In her darkest moments, Joanne found solace and support from The Rose, which had a profound impact not only on Joanne but also on her daughter, providing them with the strength to navigate this difficult path together.

Sharpie Marks and Spring Breaks: Surviving Cancer with Courage and Humor

Cristina Rodriguez

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.