Dr. Marnie Rose Story

Dr. Marnie Rose Story

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. “Through our annual fundraiser, 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.

20 Successful Years: The unwavering support of our donors since 2003 has enabled us to give more than $7 million to brain cancer research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and UTHealth Houston as well as pediatric initiatives, including chronic illness, palliative and hospice care, at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. These donations truly are a gift of life.

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.