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.

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 seven 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 and an amazing $425,000 last year to benefit brain cancer research at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center as well as pediatric initiatives at Children's Memorial Hermann 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.

We have watched our funding of cutting-edge immunotherapy research extend the lives of patients.How thrilling it is to see them participate in our Run!! We continue to fund these patients on their clinical trial. We also fund new drug development and the growing field of personalized therapy, treatments specifically designed for each patient's genetic make-up, with the goal of rapid translation to clinical trials. These treatments stand to benefit all cancer patients.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 $5-10 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 Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. Knowing that our children are our future, the Rose family continues the legacy of Dr. Marnie Rose by funding pediatric initiatives at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Our previous funds have been used to create and develop Memorial Hermann's Pediatric Palliative Care Program and to outfit the first ever pediatric Life Flight helicopter.The 2010 funds will be designated for the development of Children's Memorial Hermann's Neuroscience Center, which offers the latest innovations in the treatment of autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, congenital malformations, brain tumors, and much more.

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.