The Foundation
The Dr. Marnie Rose Story
Dr. Marnie Rose was just 27 and in the first year of her
pediatric medical residency at Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital
when she was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. Despite her
diagnosis, she agreed to share all — her cancer journey, personal
life and professional duties as a medical resident — with a TV crew
from the ABC reality series Houston Medical. The critically
acclaimed hospital series followed the lives of doctors, nurses,
other health care professionals and patients at Memorial Hermann
Hospital. Houston Medical aired nationally on the ABC Network for
six weeks of summer, 2002.
In the show's debut episode, Marnie stunned viewers by pulling
off her wig, revealing that she was both a doctor and a patient.
Throughout the run of Houston Medical, viewers were awed by her
determination to keep working despite her illness, her candor about
her disease, and her positive attitude in the face of adversity.
"We wanted to honor Marnie's spirit, courage and strength with an
event that would benefit two causes that touched her life so
personally — brain cancer and children," says Myles Rose, Marnie's
twin. "My sister chose to fight cancer with the nation watching. In
doing so, she both put a "face" to brain cancer and offered strength
and optimism to many who were ill. With the Run for the Rose, we
hope to continue Marnie's legacy."
Marnie died on August 23, 2002, from complications of her cancer,
just five weeks after the show's final episode aired.
Marnie's family started the foundation in her memory. The
foundation hosts numerous charity events each year, including a
charity fun run - Run for the Rose (also at Reliant Stadium April
6th) that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for brain
tumor research at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer
Center as well as pediatric initiatives at Memorial Hermann
Children's Hospital.
An idea that was born out of love for a daughter lost to an
insidious disease has now taken on a life of its own. The compelling
story of this young woman, Dr. Marnie Rose, has inspired those who
knew her and loved her and those who have come to love her and know
her through the foundation established in her name.
Funding Brain Cancer Research
When Marnie was first diagnosed with brain cancer, Jerry and
Lanie Rose were determined to learn as much as possible about the
disease that was robbing them of their precious daughter. What they
found was a surprisingly large number of young adults experiencing
brain cancer, a high mortality rate, a compromised existence for
those who survived, and a significant lack of funding for research.
One-half of the Ridin' for the Rose proceeds is used to fund Dr.
Amy Heimberger's phase II clinical trial of the EGFRvIII peptide
vaccine that boosts the immune system and has increased
significantly the life expectancy for Marnie's adored neurosurgeon,
Dr. Sam Hassenbusch, and other glioblastoma patients. Our 2006
contribution enabled new patients to be added to this most promising
trial. The Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation is the only Houston
foundation funding brain cancer research at M. D. Anderson.
Every contribution makes a difference. An estimated $5 is
generated from federal support for each $1 in seed money provided by
donors. Thus, not only does philanthropic funding help address unmet
needs, but given the type of creative research activity it supports,
it also can help catalyze new ideas.
Funding Pediatric Initiatives
Marnie took tremendous pride and joy in caring for the young
patients in her charge at Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital.
Knowing that our children are our future, the Rose family continues
the legacy of Dr. Marnie Rose by funding pediatric initiatives at
Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital. The Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation
has helped to create and develop its Pediatric Palliative Care
Program. The Children's Hospital has named a beautiful new grouping
of pediatric rooms the "Rose Pod" in memory of Marnie. "Marnie's
Garden" room in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is used for
families to gather with their critically ill infant.
So many kind and generous people have embraced the efforts of the
Foundation. The Foundation, in turn, is so grateful for its many
wonderful supporters who make an incredible difference in so many
lives.
Let's ride! |
