Since the death of her Aunt Tonja from breast cancer, Chrissy Ransome has redoubled her efforts to ensure women in her community get the screening they need. Tonja's late-stage diagnosis, partly due to being uninsured, profoundly impacted Chrissy. Now, she channels her grief into action, spreading awareness and resources through various community initiatives.

Key Questions Answered

1.)Who is Chrissy Ransome and what inspires her community work?

2.) What is the Reach Project, and who does it serve?

3.) What is the goal of the entrepreneurship program within the Reach Project?

4.) What role does Chrissy play in the Reach Project's entrepreneurship program?

5.) Why was Chrissy's aunt interested in bringing breast cancer screening services to the community?

6.) What impact did Tonja's story have on community initiatives and outreach?

7.) What are some challenges faced by the people served by the Reach Project in the Bryan College Station area?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Max's Reach project highlights unnoticed campus workers.

04:09 Entrepreneurship program incubates side business ideas.

07:33 She hid her pain; inspired others; died.

10:36 Her illness progressed quickly; inspired preventative actions.

16:35 Aspiring to impact generations through community, love.

18:07 Helping others in multifaceted community situations.

21:52 Supported last year's students' new storefront openings.

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Reena Friedman-Watts, host of the popular Better Call Daddy podcast, shared the challenges she faced in scheduling a mammogram due to the complexity of the healthcare system. Despite being insured, navigating referrals and regulations proved difficult. Reena’s conversation with Dorothy conversation highlights the importance of advocating for oneself and the systemic changes needed to improve access to crucial health screenings.

Key Questions Answered

1.) What is a "God box" and what is its purpose?

2.) Why is it important for uninsured women to have a physician referral for mammograms?

3.) What difficulties did Reena face in scheduling a mammogram?

4.) Why should young women advocate for themselves in medical settings?

5.) What alternatives to mammograms are available for nursing women?

6.) What cultural shifts in health checkups did Reena observe between generations?

7.)What advice does Dorothy give to Reena regarding mammogram scheduling?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Comfortable performing with supportive company.

05:24 Experience in reality TV led to career growth.

08:39 Evolving podcast satisfied my passion for stories.

10:40 Co-hosted a podcast, then started own show.

15:53 Mom's cancer; prayed at Western Wall during trip.

19:03 Physician blends Western and Eastern medicine practices.

21:23 Discreet prayer list burned each week.

22:57 Writing goals amplifies their chances of realization.

28:03 Nursed child four years, concerned about mammograms.

30:32 Breast cancer requires various tests; insurance challenges.

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Dr. Mahdieh Parizi is a pioneer in women's healthcare at the VA, and she speaks with Dorothy about the introduction of patient self-scheduling for mammograms and the multifactorial approach to improving patient return rates. Parizi mentions hosting educational events for clinicians and patients to highlight the importance of regular screenings.

Additionally, Parizi shares insights on balancing professional and personal responsibilities, advocating for regular mammograms despite mixed recommendations, and overcoming insurance hurdles. With 25,000 registered women veterans and expanded breast imaging clinics, Parizi highlights ongoing efforts to increase breast cancer screenings and early detection.

Key Questions Answered

1.) What is the patient self-scheduling system and how does it benefit mammogram return rates?

2.) What multifactorial approach is used to improve mammogram return rates?

3. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected late-stage cancer diagnoses?

4.) What are Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and how do they improve access?

5.) What challenges does the VA healthcare system face in improving breast imaging programs?

6.) What should women advocate for regarding annual mammography starting at age 40?

7.) What role does patient navigation play in improving mammogram follow-ups?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Dr. Parizi innovates VA mammography care for veterans.

04:31 Working at The Rose: Compassionate nonprofit healthcare experience.

07:39 Passionately pioneered women veterans' healthcare program.

12:04 Clinic adapts processes for efficient, comprehensive care.

16:01 Expanding breast imaging for women veterans' outreach.

19:35 Creative strategies increased patient attendance post-decrease.

21:01 Patients self-schedule mammograms; education events aid.

25:53 Balancing motherhood and professional responsibilities' challenges.

28:17 Annual mammography from age 40 saves lives.

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En este episodio, Elda Gavidia, directora de comunicaciones de The Rose, explica la importancia de este nuevo podcast en español para la comunidad hispana. Hablemos de Nuestros Senos busca romper barreras, educar y apoyar a las mujeres hispanas en su lucha contra el cáncer de mama. Elda comparte alarmantes estadísticas, los desafíos únicos de la comunidad en cuanto a acceso a cuidados y recursos, y el impacto de la detección temprana. Además, este espacio contará con entrevistas a sobrevivientes y especialistas, ofreciendo un recurso valioso para toda la comunidad hispana.

Key Questions:

1. ¿Cuál es la misión de The Rose y cómo apoya a la comunidad hispana?
2. ¿Por qué es importante la detección temprana del cáncer de mama?
3. ¿Cuáles son las estadísticas alarmantes sobre el cáncer de seno en mujeres hispanas?
4. ¿Qué barreras enfrentan las mujeres hispanas en el acceso a cuidados de la salud para el cáncer de mama?
5. ¿Qué historias de sobrevivientes y especialistas se presentarán en el podcast?
6. ¿Cómo pueden los oyentes enviar preguntas y compartir sus historias?

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In this episode, Dorothy Gibbons welcomes back Courtney Clark, a guest whose story captivated listeners and became the most downloaded episode in the podcast's two-season run. Courtney, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 23 weeks pregnant, returns to share an update on her journey two years after her initial treatment.

Key Questions Answered

1. Who is Courtney Clark and what significant experience brought her to The Rose?
2. How did Courtney first discover the lump in her breast, and what was the initial response from her previous physician?
3. What was Courtney's diagnosis after being evaluated at The Rose?
4. What type of treatment did Courtney undergo while she was pregnant?
5. What surgeries did Courtney have following her initial treatment?
6. What challenges did Courtney face with her insurance, specifically Medicaid, during her treatment?
7. How did The Rose assist Courtney in overcoming her insurance issues?
8. What is ‘chemotherapy teeth,’ as mentioned by Courtney?
9. What advice does Courtney give to others dealing with similar insurance issues?
10. What exciting personal development is Courtney experiencing after her last surgery?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Lump misdiagnosed, later confirmed during pregnancy.

04:44 Navigating Medicaid process post-mastectomy, ensuring coverage.

08:58 Medicaid complexities affect women's access to treatment.

11:15 Timely chemo is crucial; programs aid uninsured women.

15:27 Advocate for yourself, verify information, assert needs.

17:12 Be informed, value life, resilience is crucial.

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How does a mother navigate a healthcare system that often fails to see her pain?

Courtney Clark's struggle with medical dismissal and racial bias highlights a critical gap in healthcare. At 34, while nursing her daughter, she discovered a lump only to be dismissed by her doctor. Her story underscores the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking thorough medical attention.

Key Questions Answered

1. What did Courtney feel was the doctor's reaction to her concerns about the lump?

2. How did Courtney feel about the care she received from the doctor based on her race?

3. What was Courtney’s life situation when she first discovered the lump?

4. What type of cancer was Courtney eventually diagnosed with?

5. What was Courtney’s experience with her healthcare during pregnancy related to her breast concerns?

6. What does Courtney believe doctors should do when patients express concerns about potential breast cancer symptoms?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Podcast on breast health from The Rose.

04:49 Finding a doctor who understands is crucial.

06:58 Trust intuition and seek multiple medical opinions.

09:51 Importance of support and definitive diagnosis in responsibility.

Support The Rose HERE.

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

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Why is access to timely breast cancer treatment still a challenge for uninsured Texans?

Dorothy Gibbons' joins CanCare President and CEO Darcy Wells to discuss The Rose’s mission. Fueled by the stories of uninsured women, Gibbons and her team strive to bridge the gap in healthcare. Their patient navigation program stands as a testament to hope and resilience.

Learn more about The Rose and our mission to provide quality breast health care to uninsured Texans across forty-three counties in Southeast Texas, regardless of their ability to pay, at therose.org.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. What is the mission of The Rose?

2. What inspired Dorothy Gibbons and Dr. Dixie Melillo to start The Rose?

3. What were the economic conditions in Texas like during the founding of The Rose?

4. How was The Rose initially funded?

5. What prompted the creation of The Rose's patient navigation program?

6. What is Dorothy Gibbons' view on the current healthcare landscape and the need for The Rose?

7. What future aspirations does Dorothy Gibbons have for The Rose?

TIMESTAMPED OVERVIEW

00:00 Stories of courage: Dorothy Gibbons discusses advocacy.

05:11 Pioneering journalist defied norms in cancer diagnosis.

07:11 Excited about dinner with Rose Kushner.

10:48 Rose questioned the need for a tribute.

14:53 Evolving healthcare required expanding services and resources.

16:37 Patient navigation program ensures sponsored breast cancer treatment.

20:18 Denied treatment due to no insurance coverage.

24:05 Need funds for comprehensive uninsured women's care.

27:58 Black women in 30s face undetected breast cancer.

30:42 Unexpected leadership yields growth and widespread impact.

35:12 Podcast impacts others, inspires advocacy, career's end.

39:11 Advocate for patient navigators for all diseases.

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How crucial is advanced breast care for women's health?

Jessica Duckworth, COO of the Rose, sheds light on the importance of new breast imaging services and genetic testing. By integrating these state-of-the-art technologies, the Rose aims to provide comprehensive care for both insured and uninsured patients. This initiative strives to catch breast cancer at its earliest stages, ensuring better treatment outcomes and higher survival rates.

Not only does Jessica play a critical role in The Rose's mission to serve the uninsured, she's also a survivor. Hear her story during episode twelve of season one.
Learn more about The Rose and our mission to provide quality breast health care to uninsured Texans across forty-three counties in Southeast Texas, regardless of their ability to pay, at therose.org.

Key Questions Answered
1. What new services has The Rose recently launched?

2. What is the relationship between The Rose and Live Healthy Imaging?

3. What does the term “continuum of care” mean in the context of The Rose's services?

4. Why would a patient need a breast MRI?
   5. How are patients identified as high risk for breast cancer?
   
6. How does The Rose address the needs of uninsured patients in relation to these new services?

7. How has the donation from an anonymous donor impacted The Rose's services?

8. Why is genetic testing considered important for breast cancer patients?
   
9. What role does research and clinical trials play at The Rose now?
   
10. What advice is given to women regarding mammograms?

Timestamped Overview

05:26 Algorithm determines breast cancer risk, facilitates follow-up.
08:53 Ensuring comprehensive care through expanded screening program.
12:37 Partnered to enhance clinical trial diversity, accessibility.
14:55 Breast MRI, high-risk screening, genetic testing coordination.
19:37 Start mammograms at 40; earlier if high-risk.

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Dr. Popp returns to the podcast to discuss healthcare challenges for the uninsured. We'll explore the work at Christus St. Mary's Clinic in Houston, focusing on preventive care and early detection. Dr. Popp shares shocking statistics, like "when an uninsured person is diagnosed with breast cancer, 60% of the time they will die of breast cancer than an insured woman." We'll discuss mobile mammography coaches and innovative solutions to bridge the healthcare gap. Join us to understand why "the uninsured have waited, have found something, and it's much more advanced."

Key Questions Answered

1. Why is mobile screening important for the clinic's patients?

2. What was the shocking finding from Dr. Popp's recent breast health report?

3. How does lack of transportation affect women’s access to mammograms?

4. What strategy does the clinic employ to ensure patient attendance for mobile screenings?

5. What misconceptions exist about uninsured people and their interest in health?

6. What impact do mobile units have on the clinic’s ability to serve patients?

7. Why is follow-up after abnormal mammograms crucial for uninsured women?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Only 2 of 600 women had current mammograms.

06:21 Scheduling conflicts cause attendance issues for services.

07:48 Small deposit instills dignity and accountability.

11:58 Screenings save lives; early detection is crucial.

14:57 Word-of-mouth spreads awareness about mammogram services.

20:22 Programs ensure follow-up treatments for breast abnormalities.

22:00 Assisting women after abnormal mammograms is crucial.

25:05 Blessings appear unexpectedly through divine interventions.

Support The Rose HERE.

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

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To say Dr. Sean Fitzpatrick helped The Rose navigate the pandemic would be an understatement.

As the Executive Director of The Jung Center, he’s not only given our community hope in the darkest of times, but he’s also done so for countless others in the Houston area.

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

But back to self-care.

We get a brief history lesson when Dr. Fitzpatrick discusses Audre Lorde. He said, “She was faced with this decision early 80s. She was a black woman, single mother, uninsured, trying to make the difficult decision of whether she was going to just live out what life she had left serving her values, which really was serving the needs of black women, or if she was going to take the step back to seek treatment.”

Learn more about Sean’s work and The Jung Center at www.junghouston.com.

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. 

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