Let's Talk About Your Breasts

Dorothy Gibbons, CEO & Cofounder
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The Rose Breast Center of Excellence presents Let's Talk About Your Breasts with Dorothy Gibbons. Each week, Dorothy hosts candid conversations with an array of people in the breast cancer community. From doctors and employees to donors and individuals who influence policy, you'll learn all there is to know about the disease which impacts so many women in our community.

  1. 4 days ago

    Behind the Camera: Breast Cancer Stories That Change Lives

    Stories start on the phones and in the studio long before you ever hit play. 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. If this story has inspired you to make a difference, share this episode with family and friends and consider making a donation at therose.org. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Caitlyn’s internship at The Rose introduce her to patient stories and breast cancer advocacy?2. What did she learn from cold calling women and inviting them to share their mammogram journeys on video?3. How do survivor stories help The Rose reach uninsured and insured women with breast health education?4. What role did early video recording and studio work play in building today’s campaigns and podcasts?5. How does knowing your breasts and understanding your own tissue help you spot changes early?6. Why does Caitlyn believe self advocacy is essential when something feels different in your breast?7. How can internships and volunteer work at The Rose support access to mammograms for women in need?8. What practical advice does Caitlyn offer young professionals about adding value and finding their path in health care?9. How do stories from survivors and regular screening patients shape The Rose’s marketing and email campaigns?10. In what ways can donors and community members help The Rose continue sharing life saving breast cancer stories? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 6 days ago

    CEO & Co-Founder Dorothy Gibbons, on The Rose's 37th Birthday

    What started in 1986 with one paid employee, two volunteers, a donated mammography machine, and used furniture from garage sales, has blossomed into an organization that serves over forty thousand Texans across forty-three counties. On August 1st, The Rose celebrated her 37th birthday. Yes, her birthday. Not "its 37th anniversary." During this episode, you'll learn why The Rose is viewed as a woman and not an organization, as well as its humble beginnings and the people who kept it going in the face of adversity. These stories are both inspiring and harrowing, and they serve as everyday reminders of why we do what we do. To learn more about The Rose's mission and to make a donation, please visit therose.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. 6 Aug

    Dense Breast Tissue, Ultrasound, and Early Detection

    Dense breasts change how screening works and make early detection even more critical. 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. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Lynn’s free screening mammogram lead her to follow up care at The Rose?2. What does it mean to have dense breasts, and why does that matter for breast cancer detection?3. How do mammograms and ultrasounds work together to give clearer images for women with dense breast tissue?4. What did Lynn’s calcifications mean, and why are six month monitoring visits important.5. How common are dense breasts, particularly among African American women, and what extra vigilance is needed?6. How did friends’ breast cancer diagnoses, caught through regular mammograms, affect Lynn’s view on early detection?7. In what ways does her father’s cancer journey reinforce the need for timely testing and treatment.8. How does Lynn describe the emotional and mental support she offers friends going through breast cancer?9. What role does Skate Church and outdoor skating play in Lynn’s community and mental health?10. How can women without insurance find places like The Rose to access screening mammograms? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. 30 Jul

    When Corporate Care Meets Community Flair: Celanese’s Touch

    What inspires a company's commitment to community support and engagement?  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. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What is Michael Bland's role at Celanese? 2. What does Michael enjoy most about his job at Celanese? 3. Can you explain what Celanese does as a company? 4. How did Celanese first become involved with The Rose? 5. What kind of community support has Celanese provided to The Rose? 6. Who did Michael Bland dress up as for the Shrimp Boil's 80s costume contest? 7. How did the Celanese team participate in the Shrimp Boil event? 8. What was the significance of the survivor's quilt mentioned in the episode? 9. How does Celanese view its role in community involvement, according to Michael Bland? 10. What is the "Keep the Mobile on the Road" program mentioned by Dorothy Gibbons? Timestamped Overview 00:00 "Breast Health Podcast: Community Support" 04:48 Celanese's Commitment to Community 07:11 Dressing as Slash and Axl, 1986 09:44 Affordable Shrimp Fundraiser & Community Event 14:15 Shared Enthusiasm Impresses New Visitor 16:51 Breaking Silence for Early Detection 21:09 Underestimated Support Logistics 22:13 Mobile Repair Fundraiser Program 25:14 Donations Support Trauma Recovery Program See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. 28 Jul

    When Enough Is Enough: Emilee Whitehurst on Burnout and Beginning Again

    A veteran nonprofit CEO and minister walks away from the top job to take a year‑long “power pause” for her health, her daughters, and her sanity. 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. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Emilee Whitehurst move from studying human biology into faith, ministry, and social justice work? 2. Why did Emilee decide to go to Harvard Divinity School and pursue ordination as a Presbyterian minister? 3. How did community organizing around youth incarceration and police violence shape Emilee's sense of calling? 4. What did Emilee learn directing Interfaith Action of Central Texas and then leading the Rothko Chapel? 5. Why did Emilee shift into reproductive health advocacy and later into the CEO role at the Houston Area Women’s Center? 6. How did the COVID pandemic, and the spike in domestic and sexual violence, change Emilee’s work and her staff’s role? 7. What did it look like for Emilee’s team to operate three shelters at once and be treated as first responders? 8. What finally made Emilee consider an “intentional pause” or “power pause,” even though she was at the peak of her career? 9. How did Emilee’s responsibilities as a single mother of two teenage daughters influence her decision to step away? 10. What did Emilee feel in her body when she realized she did not have to keep doing this work in the same way? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dorothy welcomes Emilee Whitehurst, introduces their long friendship, and invites her to share her background in human biology, divinity school, and early community organizing.02:22 Emilee explains how working around youth incarceration and police violence led her to Harvard Divinity School, parish ministry in Kansas, and leadership roles at Interfaith Action of Central Texas, the Rothko Chapel, Planned Parenthood, and the Houston Area Women’s Center.04:55 Emilee describes leading the Women’s Center through COVID, operating three shelters during a spike in violence, and having her staff recognized as first responders.05:50 Dorothy asks about Emilee’s “power pause”; Emilee explains that as a single mom of two teenage daughters, she feared regretting lost time and began to question her nonstop pace.08:08 Emilee recalls the turning point thought, “I do not have to keep doing this,” and how it brought immediate physical relief, even as she recognized the privilege of living off retirement savings.09:40 Emilee admits she had to relearn how to rest, choosing naps over laundry and confronting fears that she would become lazy if she stopped producing.11:10 She shares how this rest raised profound questions about worth, revealing the “spell” of believing every minute must be productive and acknowledging how nonprofit culture can justify self‑sacrifice.13:20 Emilee says she does not regret her work but is grateful to have woken up in time to enjoy priceless car‑ride conversations with her daughters and to start reconnecting with herself.15:29 She describes becoming present to long‑dormant feelings like rage, sorrow, and grief, and how practices like yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong helped her trust her body’s wisdom.18:18 Emilee notes that while she once lived passionately “from the heart,” the grind of being both full‑time CEO and full‑time mom was no longer sustainable for her health.20:02 She characterizes her current season as a liminal state where headaches and chronic stress have eased, and her daughters see her treating “laundry as just laundry” instead of a crisis.22:21 Emilee explains her search for a new baseline of well‑being, saying she now better recognizes when she slips below it and will use that awareness to judge future roles.24:06 She shares a vision for a retreat center focused on love, healing, and liberation and says she cannot return to her old way of functioning now that she has proved herself.25:31 Emilee acknowledges that her “break” quickly became another full‑time, unpaid job at home, and that most working women never feel they truly rest.27:19 She recognizes women’s fear of stepping out of the workforce in midlife but hopes there is a way to live that does not require working against our own best interests.28:59 Emilee offers simple practices—stop, breathe, line up your body, relax your muscles, tune your mind into your body—as accessible starting points for rest and mindset change.30:16 She roots her perspective in spirituality, affirming that we are inherently worthy without needing to prove it and emphasizing the importance of communities that reflect that worth back.31:21 Dorothy closes by thanking Emilee for sharing a story many women need to hear; Emilee responds with gratitude and humor about how different she looks and feels now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. 23 Jul

    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. Since surviving her battle with breast cancer more than twenty years ago, Judy has been actively involved in raising funds for The Rose through the annual Shrimp Boil. Her efforts help The Rose continue its mission to serve uninsured patients across forty-three counties in Southeast Texas. Get involved by purchasing tickets or tables. Donate auction items or become an event sponsor. With an 80s theme, this year's Shrimp Boil on June 22nd promises a totally awesome time for a great cause. Learn more at therose.org/shrimpboil. Key Questions Answered 1.) Why is early detection crucial in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment? 2.) How does The Rose provide care and support for uninsured women? 3.) In what ways does the annual Shrimp Boil bring the community together? 4.) How does supporting organizations like The Rose make a difference in the lives of those in need? Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Judy's Story and Volunteer Work 02:21 Judy's Diagnosis and the Importance of Early Detection 04:10 Challenges and Support During Treatment 07:05 Judy's Involvement in the Shrimp Boil Fundraiser 10:18 The Shrimp Boil Event: Community Support and Fun 13:43 Inspiring Others Through Personal Stories 21:07 Conclusion: Call to Action and Support The Rose See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. 21 Jul

    More Than Mammograms: How Anna Turns Grants Into Lifesaving Care

    A seasoned grant writer pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to fund an Indiana‑sized breast care service area with five pink mobile coaches and thousands of uninsured women. 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. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What does Anna’s role on The Rose’s development team involve, and how does she use writing to bring in funding? 2. How does the grant application process actually work, from simple email forms to complex portals and site visits? 3. What kinds of entities fund The Rose, and how do state, local, and foundation dollars fit together? 4. How does the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services Program combine state and CDC funds, and who does it serve? 5. Why is it so important that screening and diagnostic grants also connect women to treatment through a Medicaid‑like program? 6. How large is The Rose’s 45‑county service area, and why does Anna compare it to the state of Indiana? 7. How did Anna’s years at the American Cancer Society and her mother’s late breast cancer diagnosis shape her commitment to this work? 8. What did Anna learn about self‑advocacy from watching her mother answer “I’m fine” to questions about pain and sleep? 9. How do grants like Empower Her Sponsorship and Keep Mobile support uninsured women, rural communities, and the mobile coach fleet? 10. What do modern funders expect in terms of impact, data, and systems change, and how does Anna show that their money is doing more than “just a mammogram”? Timestamped Overview 00:07 Roxann welcomes Anna and asks about her role at The Rose; Anna explains she is a development team member who writes grants to bring in funding.00:43 Anna outlines how grant applications range from simple emailed forms to complex portals, site visits, and detailed reviews of The Rose’s finances and impact.01:54 She highlights key funding, including the Breast and Cervical Cancer Services Program, which helps cover screening and diagnostics for uninsured, low‑income women and connects some to treatment.03:06 Anna explains how geography matters: The Rose’s 45‑county service area must align with foundations’ local priorities, while larger funders support broader regions.03:55 She describes partners like the Episcopal Health Foundation and frames mammography as one crucial piece of comprehensive community care, especially in areas without local imaging.05:02 Anna compares The Rose’s 45‑county footprint to the landmass of Indiana and notes it serves more than nine million people across rural and metropolitan areas with high uninsured rates.05:57 She shares that her first job was with the American Cancer Society, where she spent twenty years and discovered a passion for making even small differences in public health.07:00 Anna recalls taking her mother for a free voucher mammogram, later finding out her mother did not return and was eventually diagnosed with aggressive, late‑stage breast cancer.08:44 Watching her mother’s treatment taught Anna how vital self‑advocacy is and how often women minimize pain or symptoms to “be polite,” reinforcing her belief that someone must speak up in the exam room.11:05 She says those habits still show up today, especially for young or uninsured women, and underscores why The Rose’s mission is to offer equal access regardless of insurance status.12:44 Anna explains how she first encountered The Rose through a breast health collaborative years ago and later joined the staff after a former American Cancer Society colleague called about a job.13:53 She describes the Empower Her Sponsorship Program, which uses grant dollars to cover the full continuum of breast care for uninsured women, from screening through diagnostic resolution.14:35 Anna talks about the importance of “Keep Mobile”–type funds that maintain the five pink coaches, noting that a broken coach can mean losing twenty to twenty‑five screenings a day in communities with no other options.16:25 She notes that the funding climate has shifted, with partners affected by federal changes and funders increasingly focused on measurable impact and systems change.17:22 Anna explains that foundations want to see how The Rose improves access to care, not just provides mammograms, and that she must back the story with data and outcomes.18:37 To grant officers, she stresses that funding mammograms means supporting comprehensive care for women who anchor families and economies, and helping The Rose plug gaps in local health systems.19:35 Anna emphasizes that the relationship with patients does not end with a normal or abnormal mammogram; navigators connect women to treatment, primary care, and reminders for future screening.21:08 Roxann closes by thanking Anna for explaining how every dollar is stewarded; Anna credits clinic and community staff for doing the on‑the‑ground work that makes her grant writing possible. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. 16 Jul

    Two-Time Breast Cancer Survivor's Sweet Contribution to The Rose

    Meet Sharon Cho, a two-time breast cancer survivor and head of the dessert table at The Rose’s Annual Shrimp Boil. Sharon has been a part of the Shrimp Boil since 1998, baking countless delectable treats like her bestselling pineapple upside-down cakes to raise money for Rose patients. During this conversation, Sharon emphasizes the life-saving importance of getting regular mammograms and not delaying them. Her personal experience illustrates how early detection can make all the difference. Sharon knows exactly why all women need to prioritize their breast health. If you’d like to help uninsured patients access the breast care they need, and enjoy a sweet treat, purchase your ticket to Shrimp Boil today. Make sure to get to the dessert table early though, Sharon’s famous cakes are the first to go every year! Get involved by purchasing tickets or tables. Donate auction items or become an event sponsor. With an 80s theme, this year's Shrimp Boil on June 22nd promises a totally awesome time for a great cause. Learn more at therose.org/shrimpboil. Key Questions Answered 1.) What is The Shrimp Boil and how does it raise funds for mammograms and support for uninsured women? 2.) How long has Sharon Cho has been involved with the Shrimp Boil? 3.) What kinds of desserts can attendees of The Shrimp Boil look forward to buying at this year’s event? Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Sharon Cho and the Shrimp Boil 03:09 The Importance of Mammograms 05:04 The Shrimp Boil's Expensive Cake 10:25 Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes: A Bestseller 16:38 Advice: Don't Wait, Get Mammograms See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The Rose Breast Center of Excellence presents Let's Talk About Your Breasts with Dorothy Gibbons. Each week, Dorothy hosts candid conversations with an array of people in the breast cancer community. From doctors and employees to donors and individuals who influence policy, you'll learn all there is to know about the disease which impacts so many women in our community.

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