How far would you go to ensure your loved one had the best medical care possible? 

Ellen Elam drove her sister Cindy across Texas, headed west to New Mexico, up north to Oklahoma, and eastward to Florida.

It started when she was unhappy with the care Cindy received in Dallas. What happened afterward involved a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis in Houston, and a fight for her sister’s life.

During this conversation, Ellen shares her family’s story. And you’ll also hear why Ellen's dream is that everyone facing any kind of disease has a patient navigator, someone to stand beside them, support them, and get them through by doing whatever is needed, whenever it's needed, and however it's needed.

Help us share the mission of The Rose by subscribing to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on your favorite podcast platform, and by sharing with your family and friends. 

Please consider supporting us at therose.org. Your donation could help save the life of an uninsured woman.

Key Questions Answered
How do Patient Navigators help individuals through the healthcare system and access the best care possible?
How does advocacy and support from caregivers and loved ones play a role in a patient's journey?
Why is asking questions, seeking help, and not being afraid to challenge doctors and explore different options essential in finding the best care?
Why is funding and support for nonprofits necessary to provide resources and assistance to patients in need?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Patient Navigation

01:12 Ellen's Background in Small Business

06:23 Ellen's Sister's Breast Cancer Diagnosis

09:45 Ellen's Advocacy for Her Sister

12:34 The Importance of Asking Questions and Seeking Help

18:42 The Role of Support Systems in Patient Advocacy

21:49 Ellen's Dream of Expanding Patient Navigation

27:48 Ellen's Vision with Unlimited Resources

30:39 The Need for Funding and Support for Nonprofits

32:06 Advice for Caregivers

How far would you go to ensure your loved one had the best medical care possible? 
Ellen Elam drove her sister Cindy across Texas, headed west to New Mexico, up north to Oklahoma, and eastward to Florida.
It started when she was unhappy with the care Cindy received in Dallas. What happened afterward involved a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis in Houston, and a fight for her sister’s life.
During this conversation, Ellen shares her family’s story. And you’ll also hear why Ellen's dream is that everyone facing any kind of disease has a patient navigator, someone to stand beside them, support them, and get them through by doing whatever is needed, whenever it's needed, and however it's needed.
Help us share the mission of The Rose by subscribing to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on your favorite podcast platform, and by sharing with your family and friends. 
Please consider supporting us at <a href="https://therose.org/">therose.org</a>. Your donation could help save the life of an uninsured woman.
Key Questions Answered
<ol>
<li>How do Patient Navigators help individuals through the healthcare system and access the best care possible?</li>
<li>How does advocacy and support from caregivers and loved ones play a role in a patient's journey?</li>
<li>Why is asking questions, seeking help, and not being afraid to challenge doctors and explore different options essential in finding the best care?</li>
<li>Why is funding and support for nonprofits necessary to provide resources and assistance to patients in need?</li>
</ol>
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Patient Navigation
01:12 Ellen's Background in Small Business
06:23 Ellen's Sister's Breast Cancer Diagnosis
09:45 Ellen's Advocacy for Her Sister
12:34 The Importance of Asking Questions and Seeking Help
18:42 The Role of Support Systems in Patient Advocacy
21:49 Ellen's Dream of Expanding Patient Navigation
27:48 Ellen's Vision with Unlimited Resources
30:39 The Need for Funding and Support for Nonprofits
32:06 Advice for Caregivers

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.

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.

Let's Talk About Your Breasts

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.

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.

Driving Across the Lone Star State to Ensure Her Sister Got the Best Healthcare

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.

If this conversation matters to you, share the episode with your family and friends and consider making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Questions Answered
How did Keyanna first learn about The Rose?
What led Keyanna to seek breast health care at a young age?
What was Keyanna's first experience at The Rose like?
Does Keyanna have a family history of breast cancer?
How did Keyanna discover her own breast lump?
How did Keyanna process the discovery of her lump and what was her next step?
What role did The Rose play in Keyanna’s diagnostic journey?
What inspired Keyanna to create the “Boobies and Babes” event?
What is unique about the “Boobies and Babes” event, and who is it for?
How does Keyanna address the stigma or lack of conversation among young women regarding breast health?
Why is genetic counseling and understanding risk factors important, according to Keyanna?
What challenges does Keyanna identify for women in accessing breast health care?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Breast Cancer Journey in Houston"

05:49 Pain, Caffeine, and Reality

09:41 "Normalizing Breast Health Conversations"

11:11 Young Women’s Health Awareness

13:54 "Advocating Wellness and Awareness"

19:37 "Honoring Memories and Love"

21:16 Edo Event With Modern Flair

23:34 "Be Your Own Advocate"

26:45 Empowering Women & Young Creatives

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.
If this conversation matters to you, share the episode with your family and friends and consider making a donation at <a href="http://therose.org/">therose.org</a> so more women receive breast cancer screening and care.
Subscribe to Let&rsquo;s Talk About Your Breasts on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-about-your-breasts/id1666101320">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6o9cXAie2Mfqhq6tQWrClj">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-lets-talk-about-your-brea-107408811/">iHeart</a>, and wherever you get <a href="https://therose.org/podcasts/">your podcasts</a>.
Key Questions Answered
<ol>
<li>How did Keyanna first learn about The Rose?</li>
<li>What led Keyanna to seek breast health care at a young age?</li>
<li>What was Keyanna's first experience at The Rose like?</li>
<li>Does Keyanna have a family history of breast cancer?</li>
<li>How did Keyanna discover her own breast lump?</li>
<li>How did Keyanna process the discovery of her lump and what was her next step?</li>
<li>What role did The Rose play in Keyanna&rsquo;s diagnostic journey?</li>
<li>What inspired Keyanna to create the &ldquo;Boobies and Babes&rdquo; event?</li>
<li>What is unique about the &ldquo;Boobies and Babes&rdquo; event, and who is it for?</li>
<li>How does Keyanna address the stigma or lack of conversation among young women regarding breast health?</li>
<li>Why is genetic counseling and understanding risk factors important, according to Keyanna?</li>
<li>What challenges does Keyanna identify for women in accessing breast health care?</li>
</ol>
Timestamped Overview
00:00 "Breast Cancer Journey in Houston"
05:49 Pain, Caffeine, and Reality
09:41 "Normalizing Breast Health Conversations"
11:11 Young Women&rsquo;s Health Awareness
13:54 "Advocating Wellness and Awareness"
19:37 "Honoring Memories and Love"
21:16 Edo Event With Modern Flair
23:34 "Be Your Own Advocate"
26:45 Empowering Women &amp; Young Creatives

From Shame Loop to Self-Advocacy: Secrets to Loving Your Breasts at Any Age

Joanne Patterson shares her deeply personal journey of being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. At age 46 and a single mother of four, she knew the odds were against her. Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, she chose positivity and optimism as she battled against the cancer that steadily deteriorated her body.

While Joanne's journey has been marked by setbacks and obstacles - including losses no one would ever want to endure - her resilience and determination have never wavered. Twenty years later, she is the epitome of life lived to its fullest as she embraces each day with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation, traveling the globe and enjoying the new friendships that have entered her life.

Help women like Joanne by pledging your support at therose.org.

Key Questions Answered

1.) How can gratitude and a positive attitude can help overcome challenges?

2.) How and why is perseverance key in moving forward?

3.) Why is it important to find joy and celebrate every day?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Reconnecting with The Rose after 20 years

01:47 Joanne's initial diagnosis and treatment

06:38 Maintaining a positive attitude during treatment

09:45 The impact of The Rose on Joanne and her daughter

15:33 Joanne's recurrence and ongoing treatment

25:30 The power of gratitude and acceptance

26:57 Coping with loss and maintaining resilience

Joanne Patterson shares her deeply personal journey of being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. At age 46 and a single mother of four, she knew the odds were against her. Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, she chose positivity and optimism as she battled against the cancer that steadily deteriorated her body.
While Joanne's journey has been marked by setbacks and obstacles - including losses no one would ever want to endure - her resilience and determination have never wavered. Twenty years later, she is the epitome of life lived to its fullest as she embraces each day with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation, traveling the globe and enjoying the new friendships that have entered her life.
Help women like Joanne by pledging your support at therose.org.
Key Questions Answered
1.) How can gratitude and a positive attitude can help overcome challenges?
2.) How and why is perseverance key in moving forward?
3.) Why is it important to find joy and celebrate every day?
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Reconnecting with The Rose after 20 years
01:47 Joanne's initial diagnosis and treatment
06:38 Maintaining a positive attitude during treatment
09:45 The impact of The Rose on Joanne and her daughter
15:33 Joanne's recurrence and ongoing treatment
25:30 The power of gratitude and acceptance
26:57 Coping with loss and maintaining resilience

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

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.

If this conversation matters to you, share the episode with your family and friends and consider making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Questions Answered
What is Cristina's background and where is she from?
How did Cristina end up at Harvard Law School, and was that her original plan?
What kind of lawyer is Cristina, and what is her role as a trial lawyer?
Did Cristina use her professional communication skills when dealing with her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment?
How was Cristina's breast cancer initially discovered?
How did Cristina communicate her diagnosis to her children, and what advice did she follow?
Did Cristina have to undergo chemotherapy?
Did Cristina have any family history or known risk factors for breast cancer?
How did Cristina support her friend Maria Boyce when she was diagnosed with breast cancer?
How did Cristina tell her colleagues and clients about her diagnosis?
What practical tips does Cristina offer other women about cancer screenings and self-care?
How does Cristina use her experience to support others facing cancer?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "From Georgetown Waitlist to Harvard"

05:26 "Waiting to Share the Truth"

06:52 "Parenting Through Surgery Decisions"

13:01 "Stress, Support, and Gratitude"

13:36 Supporting Through Experience Gaps

18:52 "Owning My Sharpie Marks"

21:02 "Flower Power for Support"

24:46 Practicing Compassion Through Support

28:51 "Lean Into Support, Prioritize Health"

30:26 "Support Others, Embrace Self-Care"

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.
If this conversation matters to you, share the episode with your family and friends and consider making a donation at <a href="http://therose.org/">therose.org</a> so more women receive breast cancer screening and care.
Subscribe to Let&rsquo;s Talk About Your Breasts on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-about-your-breasts/id1666101320">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6o9cXAie2Mfqhq6tQWrClj">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-lets-talk-about-your-brea-107408811/">iHeart</a>, and wherever you get <a href="https://therose.org/podcasts/">your podcasts</a>.
Key Questions Answered
<ol>
<li>What is Cristina's background and where is she from?</li>
<li>How did Cristina end up at Harvard Law School, and was that her original plan?</li>
<li>What kind of lawyer is Cristina, and what is her role as a trial lawyer?</li>
<li>Did Cristina use her professional communication skills when dealing with her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment?</li>
<li>How was Cristina's breast cancer initially discovered?</li>
<li>How did Cristina communicate her diagnosis to her children, and what advice did she follow?</li>
<li>Did Cristina have to undergo chemotherapy?</li>
<li>Did Cristina have any family history or known risk factors for breast cancer?</li>
<li>How did Cristina support her friend Maria Boyce when she was diagnosed with breast cancer?</li>
<li>How did Cristina tell her colleagues and clients about her diagnosis?</li>
<li>What practical tips does Cristina offer other women about cancer screenings and self-care?</li>
<li>How does Cristina use her experience to support others facing cancer?</li>
</ol>
Timestamped Overview
00:00 "From Georgetown Waitlist to Harvard"
05:26 "Waiting to Share the Truth"
06:52 "Parenting Through Surgery Decisions"
13:01 "Stress, Support, and Gratitude"
13:36 Supporting Through Experience Gaps
18:52 "Owning My Sharpie Marks"
21:02 "Flower Power for Support"
24:46 Practicing Compassion Through Support
28:51 "Lean Into Support, Prioritize Health"
30:26 "Support Others, Embrace Self-Care"

Driving Across the Lone Star State to Ensure Her Sister Got the Best Healthcare

In 1 playlist(s)

Let's Talk About Your Breasts

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips