Let's Talk About Your Breasts

Dorothy Gibbons, CEO & Cofounder
  • 4.8 (25)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    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.

  2. 6d ago

    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.

  3. Jul 14

    Boardrooms, Bedside, and Beyond: A Future OB‑GYN’s Journey With The Rose

    A third‑year med student and Rice Board Fellow sits at the intersection of women’s health, community medicine, and nonprofit leadership. In this episode, Shivanki Juneja shares how her MD–MBA program and board service helped her understand healthcare finance and impact, why stories from postpartum moms and safety‑net clinics pushed her toward OB‑GYN and health equity, and how she hopes to make preventive care and judgment‑free visits the norm for her future patients. 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 a dual MD–MBA program and the Rice Board Fellows lead Shivanki Juneja to The Rose’s boardroom? 2. What did Shivanki actually learn sitting through finance reports, cash‑flow statements, and committee meetings? 3. How did early community work with incarcerated women, underserved students, and postpartum moms shape her view of womens health? 4. Why did one 19‑year‑old new mom’s contraception questions solidify Shivanki’s passion for OB‑GYN? 5. What does Shivanki see up close at Houston’s safety‑net hospital about support, access, and health literacy? 6. How does Shivanki define preventive care and why does she think our system still pays for disease, not prevention? 7. Why does Shivanki believe primary care and screening could lower both suffering and system costs over time? 8. How is Shivanki planning to balance residency training with long‑term goals in community and public health? 9. What does a “safe space with no judgment” look like in Shivanki’s future OB‑GYN practice? 10. How are younger physicians, including Shivanki and her peers, rethinking trust, listening, and advocacy for women left out of care? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dorothy introduces Shivanki Juneja, a Rice Board Fellow and dual MD–MBA student serving on The Rose’s board.01:18 Shivanki explains the Rice Board Fellows program and why she asked to be matched with a womens health nonprofit.02:09 She describes earlier encounters with The Rose’s mobile coaches at community health fairs as a Baylor College of Medicine student.03:37 Shivanki shares how volunteering at Harris Health clinics and other community projects drew her toward medicine and service.05:35 Dorothy asks what she is really learning in board meetings; Shivanki connects accounting and finance lectures to real budgets and decisions.06:07 Shivanki talks about sitting on committees and seeing how strategy, mission, and numbers come together in a nonprofit.07:28 She outlines her long‑term interest in OB‑GYN and future work in community or public health after residency.09:52 Shivanki tells the story of a 19‑year‑old postpartum patient whose questions on contraception and infant care revealed gaps in health literacy.12:01 Dorothy reflects on how many patients do not even know what they need and how confusing multi‑doctor care can be.13:38 Shivanki talks about uninsured patients, big extended families, and how safety‑net hospitals become both care and support.14:40 She describes how women sometimes turn to the health system seeking support they do not find anywhere else.16:46 Shivanki says she first knew The Rose as a referral option and then, through “mission moments,” saw the lives behind the statistics.17:25 Dorothy asks what might have made the fellowship richer; Shivanki focuses on feeling welcomed, mentored, and fully included.19:04 Shivanki honors mentors, especially neurologist Louise McCullough, who modeled nontraditional paths and reminded her that “life is long.”20:28 Shivanki admits her hardest task now is deciding how to use all her training, experience, and passions as she graduates.22:57 Dorothy asks what one thing Shivanki would change in healthcare as it exists today.23:12 Shivanki argues for a cultural shift toward preventive care, screening, and primary care instead of only treating advanced disease.25:21 Dorothy points out that the system is still set up for symptoms and end‑of‑life care rather than prevention.25:42 Shivanki explains how current incentives make prevention harder to prioritize, even when clinicians believe in it.26:07 Shivanki shares interest in both high‑risk pregnancy and infertility and plans to explore options during residency.26:37 Dorothy asks if Shivanki will encourage women to put themselves first; Shivanki describes creating a judgment‑free, honest space.28:04 Dorothy calls that approach a cultural shift and ties it to rebuilding trust in medicine.28:20 Shivanki expresses faith that her generation of physicians can help repair trust by listening and making space for patients’ stories.29:02 Dorothy thanks Shivanki and asks her to stay in touch through residency and beyond; Shivanki thanks The Rose for the experience and impact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Jul 9

    We Challenge You to Outbid THIS GUY at The Shrimp Boil

    Pat McDavid, affectionately known as “Sunshine,” has supported The Rose for years. For close to ten years, Pat has attended our annual Shrimp Boil. And without fail, he gets the crowd going by raising his live auction paddle. As you listen to Pat’s story, you’ll learn that his commitment to giving back stems from his upbringing. He was instilled with the belief that helping others is paramount. Pat has witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of The Rose on women. Today, the Shrimp Boil has become an annual family tradition. His wife, daughter-in-law, and sister now join him each summer at Shrimp Boil. He cherishes the family-oriented atmosphere and the opportunity to rally behind uninsured women. 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.) How did Pat McDavid get his popular nickname “Sunshine?" 2.) Where does Pat’s commitment to giving back to the community come from? 3.) How has Pat seen The Rose’s impact firsthand? 4.) How has Pat made The Shrimp Boil a family affair? Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Pat McDavid, Mr. Sunshine 01:00 The Importance of Giving Back 06:13 Raising Funds and Making a Difference 08:29 Supporting The Rose and Its Mission 09:26 Breast Cancer: A Personal Connection 12:14 The Family-Oriented Shrimp Bowl 21:49 The Mundy Companies: A Legacy of Success 24:11 Conclusion: The Power of Saying Yes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Jul 7

    When Reimbursement Shrinks and Need Grows: A New CEO’s View From The Rose

    A new CEO steps into The Rose and immediately confronts the realities behind 60,000annual screenings: rural healthcare deserts, under‑reimbursed mammograms, and anaging but essential mobile fleet. During this conversation, COO Jessica Duckworth sits down with Angie Lane to talk aboutwhat surprised her most in her first six weeks, why 3D mammography on five pinkcoaches is non‑negotiable for twenty‑six Texas counties with no freestanding imaging,and how shrinking insurance and Medicare payments make patient navigation andfinancial stewardship core to The Rose’s future. 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 did Angie learn in her first weeks about serving 60,000 women a year acrossforty‑five counties?2. How do The Rose’s five mobile coaches deliver 3D mammograms in counties with noimaging centers at all?3. Why does Angie describe many of The Rose’s service areas as “healthcare deserts”?4. What does it actually cost The Rose to provide a screening compared to what manyinsurers and Medicare reimburse?5. How does Angie connect her new role to her experience as a working mother who mighthave to lose a day’s work just to reach the medical center?6. Why does she see patient navigation as a uniquely important service for women whoreceive a cancer diagnosis?7. How does Angie’s personal experience hearing a difficult diagnosis about her childshape her empathy for patients at The Rose?8. What financial priorities does Angie name for keeping The Rose stable whilemaintaining high standards of care?9. How does Jessica frame the dual challenge of limited healthcare options and limitedhealth insurance in rural Texas? Timestamped Overview00:00 Jessica welcomes listeners, introduces herself as COO of The Rose, and framesthe episode as a chance for the community to meet new CEO Angie Lane.00:25 Angie thanks Jessica and shares her awe at the scale of The Rose’s work,including serving 60,000 women annually and operating the largest mobilemammography fleet in Texas.00:30 She describes the five RV coaches, their 24‑hour air‑conditioning, bumpy ruralroads, and sophisticated equipment required to bring mammograms to areas withoutfreestanding clinics.01:13 Jessica notes that out of The Rose’s forty‑five‑county service area, twenty‑sixcounties have no freestanding mammography units, making the mobile fleet essential.01:19 She adds that the coaches carry 3D mammography, the gold standard, whichmany local facilities still do not offer.01:33 Angie reflects on growing up near the Texas Medical Center, contrasts thataccess with surrounding counties she now sees as healthcare deserts, and imaginesthe burden on working mothers who would have to take a full day to reach the medicalcenter for routine screening.02:21 Jessica points out that rural communities face deserts in both healthcare servicesand health insurance coverage, compounding access gaps.02:50 Angie explains that providing a mammogram can cost The Rose around $300,while some reimbursements come in around $150–$175, and says closing that gapwithout sacrificing quality is a priority.03:36 Jessica highlights The Rose’s patient navigation program and asks Angie howshe views its importance and future.04:11 Angie calls navigation one of The Rose’s most important services, connects it toher own experience hearing a diagnosis about her child, and underscores howoverwhelming cancer can be even for people already working in healthcare.06:00 Angie talks about the emotional load on patients and families and why having askilled, compassionate navigator alongside them can change the experience oftreatment.07:15 Jessica and Angie touch briefly on funder conversations, the need to explain thatsupport goes far beyond “just a mammogram,” and how navigation, follow‑up, andsystem gaps factor into funding requests.09:30 Angie closes by returning to her core goal: protecting access and quality for everywoman The Rose serves while steering the organization safely through shiftingreimbursement and rural need. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Jul 2

    Behind the Shrimp Boil: Stories of Grit, Gratitude, and Giving Back

    Have you ever thought getting involved in a cause would mean so much more after a personal diagnosis? For some, it starts as volunteering or supporting loved ones. For others, it becomes a personal journey of survival, advocacy, and sharing information. - You’ll hear how quick action matters, even without family history. - You’ll learn how involvement grows when you or someone close to you is affected. - You’ll discover why self-advocacy can change outcomes. Key Questions Answered 1. How did Aurora Garcia become involved with The Rose and breast cancer awareness? 2. What impact did Aurora Garcia’s personal diagnosis have on her perspective and activities? 3. Why is it important not to delay or skip breast cancer screenings? 4. Can you get breast cancer even without a family history? 5. How has Russell Eckhart contributed to breast cancer fundraising events? 6. Why does Russell Eckhart support breast cancer initiatives? 7. How did Cheryl Oldweiler discover her breast cancer diagnosis? 8. What challenges did Cheryl face during her treatment, and what advice does she share? 9. What message is emphasized about breast cancer awareness and advocacy throughout the episode? Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Jun 30

    Insured and Still Facing a $5,000 Biopsy Bill

    Brandi manages the tennis pro shop at Willow Fork Country Club in Katy, the club behind Pretty in Pink, an annual golf and tennis fundraiser that raised $22,000 for The Rose in a single day. She had insurance, a routine mammogram, and no reason to expect a problem until her scan came back inconclusive, then abnormal, and a biopsy she was quoted at nearly $5,000 out of pocket. In this conversation, Brandi talks honestly about the fear of waiting, the relief of a benign result, and how her whole relationship with Pretty in Pink changed once she understood exactly how the fundraiser helps all women in need. 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 can a woman with insurance still face thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for a breast biopsy? 2. What is Pretty in Pink and how does Willow Fork Country Club's annual event raise money for The Rose? 3. How does The Rose work with patients on payment plans when costs are still a barrier? 4. What does the biopsy experience at The Rose actually look like, from check-in to results? 5. Why do mammograms sometimes come back inconclusive or abnormal and require a follow-up biopsy? 6. How did community word-of-mouth, specifically a fellow club member, connect Brandi to The Rose? 7. What role does family history of breast cancer play in a woman's risk, and why do women often not know that history until they need it? 8. Why do women delay mammograms for years, and what finally motivates them to follow through? 9. How does fear of cost cause women, even insured women, to stop short of getting answers? 10. What makes The Rose's patient experience different from a hospital setting for breast biopsies? 11. How does surviving a cancer scare change the way someone engages with fundraising and advocacy? 12. What is the message Brandi carries to friends and colleagues who have never heard of The Rose? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Dorothy introduces the episode and Brandi's story: a routine mammogram, an abnormal result, a $5,000 biopsy quote, and how a club member pointed her to The Rose. 00:52 Dorothy describes how Brandi's story connects to Pretty in Pink and closes with the episode's call to action. 01:57 Dorothy welcomes Brandi and notes that her situation, insured but still facing barriers, is different from many Rose patients. 02:23 Brandi describes her mammogram journey: inconclusive first scan, abnormal second scan, then the call about the $5,000 biopsy cost. 02:48 Dorothy confirms the quote came through a hospital-based setting. 03:05 Brandi explains how club member Dina Russell, a breast cancer survivor, connected her to Shannon at The Rose. Her cost at The Rose came in under $1,000. 03:51 Dorothy asks how Brandi ended up managing a tennis pro shop. Brandi shares her background in auto dealership accounting and the career change when her husband's club had an opening. 04:39 Dorothy and Brandi discuss Willow Fork Country Club in Katy and the Pretty in Pink event, which raised $22,000 in a single day. 04:56 Brandi describes how the event works: silent auctions, raffle baskets, a 50-50 raffle, and a golf-and-tennis format open to members and guests. 06:01 Dorothy and Brandi confirm Pretty in Pink happens in one day, in October. 07:02 Dorothy asks who first suggested Brandi call The Rose. Brandi confirms it was Dina, a member who had personally been through breast cancer. 07:58 Dorothy asks how Brandi felt facing the biopsy cost. Brandi describes the fear and the support of her husband, family, and close friends. 09:50 Brandi describes arriving at The Rose, the nurses' warmth, and how she felt like a person rather than a number. 10:15 Dorothy and Brandi discuss the type of biopsy performed: ultrasound-guided, using the mammogram machine. 10:41 Brandi describes Dr. Trevino: he explained every step, asked if he could play music, put on Christian music, and even sang along to ease her nerves. 12:37 Brandi shares the outcome: the mass was benign, and Dr. Trevino noted it was so small that even if cancerous, treatment would have been minimal. 12:59 Dorothy and Brandi discuss the importance of staying consistent with mammograms, even after a benign biopsy. 14:05 Brandi reflects on how her relationship to Pretty in Pink changed once she understood what The Rose actually does for women. 14:38 Dorothy asks Brandi to address listener misconceptions about nonprofit care quality. Brandi says the facility, staff, and experience were outstanding from the front desk forward. 15:27 Brandi shares a moment in the waiting room where another patient told her, "God has you," which steadied her in a hard moment. 16:47 Brandi shares her family history: an aunt and a cousin, both out of state, had breast cancer. She didn't learn about her aunt until after her own scare. 18:11 Dorothy underscores the importance of asking family about cancer history and not being afraid to have those conversations. 19:34 Brandi admits she had delayed her mammogram by three years. Her doctor told her at a routine physical to get it done that day. She did. 20:04 Dorothy and Brandi discuss sharing the experience with friends. Brandi's close friend, whose mother died of breast cancer, had also navigated a biopsy. 23:32 Brandi highlights The Rose's payment plan option, which allowed her to put a deposit down and pay in installments, an option available to insured and uninsured patients. 26:14 Brandi shares what she was most afraid of losing: being present for her four grandchildren, ranging from eight months to seven years old. 27:23 Dorothy thanks Brandi. Brandi encourages listeners not to be scared to get their mammogram and to talk openly with family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Jun 25

    An Afternoon That Changed Everything

    An afternoon of yard work changed her life. Uninsured and discovering she had breast cancer, 37-year-old Ana Henriquez talks about her challenges and what it took to survive. With raw honesty, she dives into the emotional toll of losing her hair, saying goodbye to her breasts, and the unwavering love and encouragement she received from her husband and family. Ana emphasizes the critical importance of self-examination and urges all women to listen to their bodies, heeding the subtle signs that could potentially save lives and how The Rose’s help allowed her to concentrate on getting well. Share Ana's story with your family and friends and help support the life-changing work of The Rose by donating at therose.org. Key Questions Answered  1.) How does being uninsured add additional challenges to a breast cancer diagnosis? 2.) Why is open communication with loved ones important during treatment? Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Diagnosis 03:19 Dealing with Uninsured Status 05:45 Finding Support at The Rose 06:14 Patient Navigation Program 07:43 Support from Family 08:41 Losing Hair and Self-Image 10:11 Support from Spouse 11:39 Talking to Children about Diagnosis 13:12 Maintaining Normalcy and Working 14:11 Hispanic Community and Cancer 20:51 Saying Goodbye to Breasts 22:00 Support from Spouse 23:00 Treatment as a Younger Patient 24:30 Importance of Self-Examination 25:29 Shift in Priorities 27:22 Support from Clients 28:21 Ongoing Surveillance and Staying Positive 29:12 Closing Remark See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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4.8
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About

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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