Why is community support crucial during health crises?

In this episode, Dorothy and Nancy Strohmer delve into the significance of showing support and care for others during tough times. Nancy shares her journey through a health crisis, highlighting the importance of receiving support from friends, family, and the community. This experience inspired her mission to help others through awareness and resources. 

The conversation underscores the role of faith and community in coping during a crisis. Dorothy stresses the importance of annual mammograms for early detection of breast cancer, recounting a story of a daughter's proactive approach to her health. Nancy's story of her stage two breast cancer diagnosis, caught through a mammogram, emphasizes the importance of early detection. Her successful treatment journey serves as a powerful testament to the advancements in cancer care and the role of regular screenings.

Please consider sharing this episode, or 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

1.) Why is community support crucial during health crises?

2.) Why is it important to show support and care for others during difficult times?

3.) How did Nancy Strohmer's community support her during her health crisis?

4.) What role did Nancy's faith play during her health crisis?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Active leader, sold business, focused on family.

04:28 Radiologist predicted breast cancer, chose treatment immediately.

06:41 Grandsons surprise grandmother with get well card.

10:10 Mammogram confusion and importance for older women.

15:38 New passion to raise breast cancer awareness.

16:21 2 critical messages: mammograms save lives, exercise prevents cancer.

20:53 30% city lacks health coverage, women and children disproportionately affected.

24:34 Support and positivity crucial in facing cancer.

26:09 Human connection and thoughtfulness are important.

29:23 Supportive friend aids through tough times in Houston.

Why is community support crucial during health crises?
In this episode, Dorothy and Nancy Strohmer delve into the significance of showing support and care for others during tough times. Nancy shares her journey through a health crisis, highlighting the importance of receiving support from friends, family, and the community. This experience inspired her mission to help others through awareness and resources.&nbsp;
The conversation underscores the role of faith and community in coping during a crisis. Dorothy stresses the importance of annual mammograms for early detection of breast cancer, recounting a story of a daughter's proactive approach to her health. Nancy's story of her stage two breast cancer diagnosis, caught through a mammogram, emphasizes the importance of early detection. Her successful treatment journey serves as a powerful testament to the advancements in cancer care and the role of regular screenings.
Please consider sharing this episode, or 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
1.) Why is community support crucial during health crises?
2.) Why is it important to show support and care for others during difficult times?
3.) How did Nancy Strohmer's community support her during her health crisis?
4.) What role did Nancy's faith play during her health crisis?
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Active leader, sold business, focused on family.
04:28 Radiologist predicted breast cancer, chose treatment immediately.
06:41 Grandsons surprise grandmother with get well card.
10:10 Mammogram confusion and importance for older women.
15:38 New passion to raise breast cancer awareness.
16:21 2 critical messages: mammograms save lives, exercise prevents cancer.
20:53 30% city lacks health coverage, women and children disproportionately affected.
24:34 Support and positivity crucial in facing cancer.
26:09 Human connection and thoughtfulness are important.
29:23 Supportive friend aids through tough times in Houston.

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.

Hugs, Hope, and Health: A Woman’s Battle Cry Against Breast Cancer

As the Executive Director of The Jung Center, Dr. Fitzpatrick's not only given the Rose community hope in the darkest of times, such as during the pandemic, but he’s also done so for countless others in the Houston area.

During this conversation, Dorothy and Dr. Fitzpatrick talk about past challenges and how they’ve impacted the breast cancer community. He also discusses the need for caregivers to embrace self-care and encourages breast cancer patients to engage in self-acceptance.

Additionally, we get a brief history lesson when Dr. Fitzpatrick discusses Audre Lorde, who was faced with the difficult decision of either living out what life she had left serving her values, helping women’s groups that were forming in the 1970s and the 1980s, or if she was going to take the step back to seek treatment for breast cancer.

Learn more about Dr. Fitzpatrick's work and The Jung Center at www.junghouston.com.

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. Why is must we nurture our well-being, especially in the face of adversity?

as the isolation brought on by the pandemic.

2. How is breast cancer tied to the origin of self-care?

3. What can we do to foster better support networks in our community?

4. What are Dr. Fitzpatrick’s tips for managing self-care?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Self-care in pandemic: simplified approach for all.

03:51 Infants have instinct to notice surroundings instinctively.

07:47 Paying attention to body signals for calm.

12:55 Well being defined as happiness and contentment.

15:04 Well-being through relationships, including self and community.

18:38 Commute time transformed during pandemic, newfound appreciation.

23:46 Audrey Lord, influential writer, faced cancer decision.

24:48 Self-care as political act for black woman.

28:11 Recognize interdependence, create spaces for connection.

As the Executive Director of The Jung Center, Dr. Fitzpatrick's not only given the Rose community hope in the darkest of times, such as during the pandemic, but he&rsquo;s also done so for countless others in the Houston area.
During this conversation, Dorothy and Dr. Fitzpatrick talk about past challenges and how they&rsquo;ve impacted the breast cancer community. He also discusses the need for caregivers to embrace self-care and encourages breast cancer patients to engage in self-acceptance.
Additionally, we get a brief history lesson when Dr. Fitzpatrick discusses Audre Lorde, who was faced with the difficult decision of either living out what life she had left serving her values, helping women&rsquo;s groups that were forming in the 1970s and the 1980s, or if she was going to take the step back to seek treatment for breast cancer.
Learn more about Dr. Fitzpatrick's work and The Jung Center at <a href="http://www.junghouston.com">www.junghouston.com</a>.
Support The Rose <a href="https://secure.therose.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30118a?df_id=1480&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;1480.donation=form1&amp;NONCE_TOKEN=6FEB2388BD63E0937C3FD34555AF1B9F">HERE</a>.
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
1. Why is must we nurture our well-being, especially in the face of adversity?
as the isolation brought on by the pandemic.
2. How is breast cancer tied to the origin of self-care?
3. What can we do to foster better support networks in our community?
4. What are Dr. Fitzpatrick&rsquo;s tips for managing self-care?
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Self-care in pandemic: simplified approach for all.
03:51 Infants have instinct to notice surroundings instinctively.
07:47 Paying attention to body signals for calm.
12:55 Well being defined as happiness and contentment.
15:04 Well-being through relationships, including self and community.
18:38 Commute time transformed during pandemic, newfound appreciation.
23:46 Audrey Lord, influential writer, faced cancer decision.
24:48 Self-care as political act for black woman.
28:11 Recognize interdependence, create spaces for connection.

How One Woman’s Breast Cancer Battle Led to the Self-Care Movement

Forty years at The Rose taught our co-founder and CEO Dorothy Gibbons this: you don’t walk away from women, even when the system does.

In this farewell episode, Dorothy share the stories that shaped her, why she's stepping back, and why your support and your stories still matter. 

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 were Dorothy and Dr. Dixie received as two women creating a new breast health nonprofit in the mid‑1980s?

2. What kind of resistance did Dorothy encounter from male‑dominated leadership when she pushed for mammograms and a place for uninsured women?

3. Who were early patients and volunteers like Annabelle and Diana, and how did they shape The Rose’s culture?

4. Why does Dorothy believe patient stories—and hearing “someone else has been there”—still matter just as much as technology?

5. What does it mean for The Rose to be a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, and why was that accreditation such a milestone?

6. Which values at The Rose are non‑negotiable for Dorothy, especially around how women and working mothers are treated?

7. What has truly improved in breast cancer imaging, awareness, and treatment in 40 years—and what has barely changed for uninsured and low‑income women?

8. How did gifts ranging from one dollar at a gas station to a surprise million‑dollar donation keep The Rose going?

9. After four decades, how does Dorothy keep her passion for women’s health, and what unfinished business does she believe belongs to the next generation?

10. What advice does she give anyone starting a nonprofit today—and why does she insist real change requires policy change, not just good programs?

Timestamped Overview

1:00 Dorothy reflects on starting The Rose and how little the world understood mammograms and uninsured women in the mid‑1980s.

02:00 Stories of early skepticism, male‑dominated rooms, and how Dr. Dixie’s trailblazing surgical career gave them cover to push forward.

05:30 Remembering first patients and volunteers like Annabelle and Diana, their opposite personalities, and how they taught Dorothy there’s no one “right” way to live with cancer.

08:30 Why sharing patient stories on the podcast still matters: faith, courage, and the power of hearing your own experience in someone else’s words.

10:20 What becoming a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence required from staff, physicians, and equipment—and why that recognition mattered.

12:40 Dorothy’s non‑negotiables: valuing women, backing employees as whole people, and the day a tone‑deaf salesman lost a contract with one sexist comment.

15:40 What has improved in imaging, awareness, and treatment over 40 years—and what remains broken for uninsured and low‑income women.

18:00 The emotional toll of fundraising shortfalls, policy stagnation, and why closing the doors never felt like an option.

19:30 How advocacy and policy wins like Texas’s Cancer Prevention and Research Institute funding changed the landscape for prevention and research.

21:30 The unforgettable million‑dollar donor in overalls and the equally powerful one‑dollar gift at a gas station in El Paso.

24:00 Sponsored patients who gave back, like the woman who saved for years to fund another biopsy, and how those gifts shaped Dorothy’s view of generosity.

25:30 Keeping passion after four decades, why 40 years went by in a blink, and the stories that still fuel Dorothy’s work.

26:30 Letting The Rose “grow up,” what kind of energy Dorothy hopes to leave behind, and why she believes in the quiet power of “you can do it.”

28:00 Life after pink: how Dorothy imagines her next chapter and her advice for anyone bold enough to launch a nonprofit today.

Forty years at The Rose taught our co-founder and CEO Dorothy Gibbons this: you don&rsquo;t walk away from women, even when the system does.
In this farewell episode, Dorothy share the stories that shaped her, why she's stepping back, and why your support and your stories still matter.&nbsp;
Support The Rose <a href="https://secure.therose.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30118a?df_id=1480&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;1480.donation=form1&amp;NONCE_TOKEN=6FEB2388BD63E0937C3FD34555AF1B9F">HERE</a>.
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
1. How were Dorothy and Dr. Dixie received as two women creating a new breast health nonprofit in the mid‑1980s?
2. What kind of resistance did Dorothy encounter from male‑dominated leadership when she pushed for mammograms and a place for uninsured women?<a href="https://therose.org/about-us/"></a>
3. Who were early patients and volunteers like Annabelle and Diana, and how did they shape The Rose&rsquo;s culture?<a href="https://therose.org/about-us/"></a>
4. Why does Dorothy believe patient stories&mdash;and hearing &ldquo;someone else has been there&rdquo;&mdash;still matter just as much as technology?
5. What does it mean for The Rose to be a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, and why was that accreditation such a milestone?
6. Which values at The Rose are non‑negotiable for Dorothy, especially around how women and working mothers are treated?
7. What has truly improved in breast cancer imaging, awareness, and treatment in 40 years&mdash;and what has barely changed for uninsured and low‑income women?
8. How did gifts ranging from one dollar at a gas station to a surprise million‑dollar donation keep The Rose going?
9. After four decades, how does Dorothy keep her passion for women&rsquo;s health, and what unfinished business does she believe belongs to the next generation?
10. What advice does she give anyone starting a nonprofit today&mdash;and why does she insist real change requires policy change, not just good programs?
Timestamped Overview
1:00 Dorothy reflects on starting The Rose and how little the world understood mammograms and uninsured women in the mid‑1980s.
02:00 Stories of early skepticism, male‑dominated rooms, and how Dr. Dixie&rsquo;s trailblazing surgical career gave them cover to push forward.
05:30 Remembering first patients and volunteers like Annabelle and Diana, their opposite personalities, and how they taught Dorothy there&rsquo;s no one &ldquo;right&rdquo; way to live with cancer.<a href="https://therose.org/about-us/"></a>
08:30 Why sharing patient stories on the podcast still matters: faith, courage, and the power of hearing your own experience in someone else&rsquo;s words.
10:20 What becoming a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence required from staff, physicians, and equipment&mdash;and why that recognition mattered.
12:40 Dorothy&rsquo;s non‑negotiables: valuing women, backing employees as whole people, and the day a tone‑deaf salesman lost a contract with one sexist comment.<a href="https://therose.org/about-us/"></a>
15:40 What has improved in imaging, awareness, and treatment over 40 years&mdash;and what remains broken for uninsured and low‑income women.
18:00 The emotional toll of fundraising shortfalls, policy stagnation, and why closing the doors never felt like an option.
19:30 How advocacy and policy wins like Texas&rsquo;s Cancer Prevention and Research Institute funding changed the landscape for prevention and research.<a href="https://therose.org/how-a-texas-nonprofit-built-a-model-for-accessible-and-equitable-healthcare/"></a>
21:30 The unforgettable million‑dollar donor in overalls and the equally powerful one‑dollar gift at a gas station in El Paso.
24:00 Sponsored patients who gave back, like the woman who saved for years to fund another biopsy, and how those gifts shaped Dorothy&rsquo;s view of generosity.<a href="https://therose.org/about-us/"></a>
25:30 Keeping passion after four decades, why 40 years went by in a blink, and the stories that still fuel Dorothy&rsquo;s work.
26:30 Letting The Rose &ldquo;grow up,&rdquo; what kind of energy Dorothy hopes to leave behind, and why she believes in the quiet power of &ldquo;you can do it.&rdquo;
28:00 Life after pink: how Dorothy imagines her next chapter and her advice for anyone bold enough to launch a nonprofit today.

Saying Goodbye: Dorothy’s Farewell After 40 Years at The Rose

How does a simple flyer lead a high school student to a life-saving discovery?

Monserrat Duron’s decision to perform a self-exam after attending a college 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. 

More than a decade after her diagnosis at just 18 years old, Montserrat shares her experience.

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 Monserrat initially discover she had a lump in her breast?

2. What challenges did Monserrat face in accessing healthcare after discovering the lump?

3. What was the result of Monserrat's initial examination at The Rose?

4. What significant surgery did Monserrat undergo due to persistent tumors?

5. How did Monserrat's professional life evolve after her recovery?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 We're raising money for uninsured women's diagnostics.

05:19 Early self-exams crucial for detecting breast changes.

08:38 Rose advocates lowering mammogram age guideline to 35.

10:13 Grandma's comment made her avoid seeing herself.

15:14 Relentlessly pursued success in education and life.

17:19 Fearful moments worrying about son's future.

22:10 First in family to attend college.

26:46 Got referral and directions to Harris hilt

30:27 Apologized, recommended plan, discussed surgery, future considerations.

31:09 Reconstruction planned with plastic surgeons, lengthy process.

35:32 Cancerous issue, mostly in younger women.

How does a simple flyer lead a high school student to a life-saving discovery?
Monserrat Duron&rsquo;s decision to perform a self-exam after attending a college 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.&nbsp;
More than a decade after her diagnosis at just 18 years old, Montserrat shares her experience.
Support The Rose <a href="https://secure.therose.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30118a?df_id=1480&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;1480.donation=form1&amp;NONCE_TOKEN=6FEB2388BD63E0937C3FD34555AF1B9F">HERE</a>.
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
1. How did Monserrat initially discover she had a lump in her breast?
2. What challenges did Monserrat face in accessing healthcare after discovering the lump?
3. What was the result of Monserrat's initial examination at The Rose?
4. What significant surgery did Monserrat undergo due to persistent tumors?
5. How did Monserrat's professional life evolve after her recovery?
Timestamped Overview
00:00 We're raising money for uninsured women's diagnostics.
05:19 Early self-exams crucial for detecting breast changes.
08:38 Rose advocates lowering mammogram age guideline to 35.
10:13 Grandma's comment made her avoid seeing herself.
15:14 Relentlessly pursued success in education and life.
17:19 Fearful moments worrying about son's future.
22:10 First in family to attend college.
26:46 Got referral and directions to Harris hilt
30:27 Apologized, recommended plan, discussed surgery, future considerations.
31:09 Reconstruction planned with plastic surgeons, lengthy process.
35:32 Cancerous issue, mostly in younger women.

Hugs, Hope, and Health: A Woman’s Battle Cry Against Breast Cancer

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