Dr. Marnie Rose was just 27 and in the first year of her pediatric medical residency at Children's Memorial Hermann 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. Houston Medical aired nationally on the ABC Network for six weeks of summer, 2002. "Marnie would never want us to stop searching for a cure for brain cancer or to forget the children she adored. We are determined to continue the wonderful work she began." As stated by Lanie Rose, Marnie's Mother 
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. The first nine years of Run for the Rose have been immensely successful, managing to net an incredible $90,000 the first year, $100,000 the second year, $110,000 the third year, $223,000 the fourth year, $320,000 the fifth year, $400,000 the sixth year, $425,000 the seventh year, $430,000 the eighth year, $455,000 the ninth year, and an amazing $500,000 this tenth anniversary year to benefit brain cancer research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center as well as pediatric initiatives at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. Since 2003, the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation has donated more than $3 million to our two hospitals. 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.
Watch video on the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation. | 
