What happens when Rosie Powell gets to work
A breast cancer survivor reflects on care, community and what carried her through.
Roselyn “Rosie” Powell was 57 when she went in for a routine mammogram. She’d been diligent about screenings. When she was called back for further testing, she assumed it would be nothing. Instead, it marked the beginning of a breast cancer journey that included multiple surgeries, radiation and reconstruction.
During treatment at Cone Health’s Wesley Long Cancer Center, Rosie learned the geography of a new life — a small, repeating world defined by the valet stand, the front desk, the waiting areas and the radiation suite. What stays with her most is the people.
“I actually got energized by the experience because of the people at the cancer center,” Rosie says. From the valets to the front desk staff, volunteers, nurses and radiation technicians, she found consistency and kindness at every visit. Known for her quick wit and easy conversation, she made it her goal to ease tension along the way.
“They became my family,” she says. “It was almost sad after my last radiation.”
Rosie remembers how her brother summed up her cancer journey: “You got up every day and treated it like your job.” That meant showing up with intention — just as she had during her years as a probation and parole administrator. Throughout her illness, friends and family showed up, too, beside her at every new challenge.
Couldn’t just walk away
Throughout her journey, Rosie noticed something else: the steady stream of patients arriving on buses, sometimes from counties away — people facing cancer alongside financial strain, housing instability and long travel days.
“That made a big impression,” she says. “I was fortunate to have stability and a support network, but so many others need assistance. I couldn’t just walk away and not be part of that.”
Rosie made an annual commitment to support Alight Integrative Care and stepped into a new role as a third-party fundraiser. At Greensboro Country Club, where golf has long been part of her life, Rosie revived a breast cancer support tournament — and even reimagined it. She made it coed and accessible. Not a gala. Not a major ask. People come to play, enjoy one another and contribute what they can.
Through the generosity of Greensboro Country Club and the steadfast support of its members and sponsors, the tournament grew. Over five years, their collective generosity has helped raise more than $100,000 for Alight Integrative Care — a level of impact that would not have been possible without the club’s partnership.
Rosie also insisted on what she calls “show and tell.” One year, the Cone Health mobile mammography unit parked at the course. Another year, golfers learned about the Healing Garden at Wesley Long.
“Most people don’t really know their local health system,” she says. “If this tournament can raise money and awareness, that matters.”
This year marks her fifth and final year leading the event. She has begun working with others to ensure it continues. “It’s time for someone else to put their own stamp on it.”
Rosie is also a legacy giver, with a planned gift directed to Alight Integrative Care.
Ask what ties it all together — the years of treatment, the golf tournament, the planned gift — and her answer is simple.
“Cone Health is right down the street,” she says. “They took care of me.”
