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

01/23/24 • 33 min

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Previous Episode

How Her Mother’s Cancer Battle Inspired a Life Changing Nonprofit

Cortney Cole-Hall is a true renaissance woman.

From corporate executive to real estate mogul, she’s enjoyed much success.

But the loss of her mother inspired something that has saved Houston area women from debt collectors. And homelessness.

She founded Pink Door Nonprofit because she didn’t want women to experience what her mom had to endure: trouble paying bills.

During this conversation, Dorothy and Cortney talk about Pink Door’s inception, its eventual sunsetting, and how this all ties back into The Rose’s mission.

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

Why does starting a nonprofit require dedication, hard work, and a strong belief in the cause?
Why regular mammograms are crucial for early detection and treatment of breast cancer?
What makes running a nonprofit emotionally challenging and rewarding?
When do you know it’s time to end a nonprofit, so you can ensure it has a positive legacy?
How does supporting and volunteering for nonprofits make a significant difference in the lives of those in need?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:58 Early Life and Career

03:04 Starting Pink Door Nonprofit

04:53 Mission and Services of Pink Door

06:42 The Inspiration Behind the Name Pink Door

07:12 The Impact of Pink Door and Volunteer Staff

09:32 Emotional Toll and Dealing with Loss

10:39 Favorite Stories of Pink Door

11:58 The Importance of Breast Health and Mammograms

16:23 The Decision to End Pink Door

24:23 The Impact of the Pandemic on Pink Door

26:19 The Legacy of Pink Door and Next Adventure

34:52 Advice for Starting a Nonprofit

38:34 Looking Forward to the Future

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next Episode

Don’t Call Her a Survivor, Call Her a THRIVER

“Can’t never could do nothing.”

Those are the words of the late Bob Domec, one of The Rose’s most cherished supporters and board members.

Our next guest, Terri Snider, remembers those words—the words of her father—quite often, as she battles cancer for the second time. You’ll hear a lot about the importance of positivity during this conversation.

You’ll also hear about her first battle with cancer. Which drives home the importance of questioning one’s doctors and getting a second opinion.

As she battles this second round of cancer, she shares her story and life experiences, which include early trips to the gym and a spot on Pink Phurree, a local dragon boat team.

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

Why is it important to stay positive and having a support system when facing breast cancer?
Why is it important to stay active when fighting cancer?
How can seeking support from others who have been through similar experiences can provide invaluable understanding and encouragement?
Why is questioning doctors and seeking second opinions essential to ensuring the best possible care and treatment?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Terri's Positive Attitude

01:07 Diagnosis and Support from Terri's Dad

05:15 Complications and Lymphedema

07:39 Living with Lymphedema

08:06 Pink Phurree and Support from the Team

11:28 Support from Terri's Family

12:55 Shaving Heads and Taking Pictures

16:06 Current Diagnosis and Treatment

19:00 Initial Reaction to Reoccurrence

20:07 Choosing Quality of Life

21:19 Staying Positive and Living Life