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.
Dense Breasts, Stage One Cancer, and Choosing Aggressive Surgery
Stage one, double mastectomy, and a woman who refuses to keep breast cancer quiet. Marla Hurley is a Houston business owner, fashion show producer, and mother of three who found a lump high on her chest, pushed for answers, and chose an aggressive surgical path that let her skip chemo and radiation.
Interview with Emilee Whitehurst (Part 2): Re-Grounding Your Life After Overwork and Exhaustion
Emilee Whitehurst returns for another conversation about taking a personal sabbatical from nonstop work, listening to her body again, and building simple practices that support her health, her purpose, and her ability to show up for others. Her story gives anyone in caregiving, nonprofit work, or healthcare permission to pause, heal, and return stronger.
The Rose at 39: Dorothy and Dixie Discuss Barriers, Hope, and Healing
The Rose turns 39! Join founders Dorothy Gibbons and Dr. Dixie Melillo as they share stories of hope, dignity, and care for every woman, especially those told there’s no way forward. This special episode honors their legacy, tackles barriers for the uninsured, and reveals why The Rose means a better life for thousands.
Behind the Camera: Breast Cancer Stories That Change Lives
Caitlyn McCraw walked into The Rose as a marketing intern and walked out with a deep understanding of patient stories, breast health, and what it means to know your own body. From cold calling women about their mammograms to learning her own breast tissue and normal baselines, Caitlyn shows how small projects and self advocacy create lasting impact for uninsured women and for The Rose’s mission.
Dense Breast Tissue, Ultrasound, and Early Detection
Lynn Dozier shares how a free mammogram at Texas Southern led to follow up care at The Rose, ongoing monitoring of calcifications, and a new level of ownership over her breast health. Along the way, she talks about Skate Church, community, and staying mentally strong while friends faced breast cancer.
When Corporate Care Meets Community Flair: Celanese’s Touch
Michael Bland, Capital Project Stewardship Leader at Celanese, illustrates how their proactive approach led them to The Rose, supporting its mission through donations and involvement. From providing much-needed chemo kits to actively participating in community events, Celanese has become a partner rather than just a donor. Their employees, driven by values and empowered by the organization, strive to make a profound impact in the community.
Interview with Emilee Whitehurst (Part 1): When Enough Is Enough: Emilee Whitehurst on Burnout and Beginning Again
In this first conversation, Emilee Whitehurst traces her path from human biology and divinity school into community organizing, parish ministry, and leadership at Interfaith Action of Central Texas, the Rothko Chapel, Planned Parenthood, and the Houston Area Women’s Center. She describes guiding shelters through COVID, running three facilities at once, and realizing that every minute of her life was organized around work. Emilee explains how a single thought — “I do not have to keep doing this” — triggered a powerful physical release, pushed her to live off retirement savings, and forced her to relearn what rest feels like, rethink her worth, and imagine a different way to lead and live.
Uninsured but Not Alone: A Woman’s Gratitude for The Rose
Judy Pareya is a breast cancer survivor and dedicated volunteer at The Rose. She joins Dorothy to share her powerful story, emphasizing the life-saving importance of early detection. Judy’s experience underscores the vital role The Rose plays in providing care for uninsured women.
More Than Mammograms: How Anna Turns Grants Into Lifesaving Care
In this episode, Anna Caballero explains how she matches The Rose’s mission with state programs, foundations, and local donors, why rural counties and maintenance funds matter as much as screening dollars, and how her own mother’s late‑stage breast cancer diagnosis shaped her passion for access and self‑advocacy. She shares how today’s funders expect data, outcomes, and systems change, and why she still believes every mammogram sits inside a much bigger story of community health, navigation, and follow‑up.