Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Rosen.
Hi Allison, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After years of struggling with Crohn’s disease, Allison Rosen was diagnosed with Stage 2C colorectal cancer at just 32 years old. Following a challenging journey that included multiple surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, she is now cancer-free and has remained so for 14 years.
Motivated by her experience, Allison has intentionally dedicated her life, both professionally and personally, to being a passionate patient advocate. As a volunteer, she has contributed to policy development with organizations such as Fight Colorectal Cancer, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
She has also played an active role in community engagement and leadership through her work with Colorectal Cancer Alliance (as a member of the Never Too Young Board) and Colon Cancer Coalition (as a Board member and Director of the Houston “Get Your Rear in Gear” event).
Throughout the past 14 years, Allison has served as a patient advocate within the oncology field and alongside leading academic institutions such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, contributing to research grants and patient experience councils. More recently, she has been appointed to the Research Advocates in Training program with Fight Colorectal Cancer and serves with the SWOG Cancer Research Network as a research advocate representing the adolescent and young adult community.
Drawing from her lived experience as a colorectal cancer survivor, Allison brings a unique perspective from both the patient and professional sides of care. She is deeply committed to bridging the gap between healthcare systems and the communities they serve, ensuring that every patient has access to equitable, high-quality cancer care.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have struggled with many obstacles during my cancer journey including fertility preservation and going into menopause as a result of my treatment. I dealt with complications such as sepsis and multiple infections for the first few years dealing with cancer and infections are an ongoing struggle. As a result of my treatment i had my colon and everything below taken out so I live with a permanent ostomy bag. The ostomy brought body image struggles that held me back from truly living life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am beyond proud of my advocacy work, both local and national which has allowed me to use my story and experience to help others, and at the same time helping me heal physically an mentally from colon cancer. By sharing about my struggles for large medical professionals, pharmaceutical representatives and advocacy organizations I have helped shape national policy changes, helped create patient friendly education, and helped bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and the communities they serve.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Volunteering my tie for a good cause started early in life and I think that is where my passion for volunteering comes from. My first volunteer role was in the petting Zoo and the Houston Zoo and at the Children’s museum in Houston.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicat380
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alicat380
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-rosen-ms-a89b9277/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ARosen380
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@allisonrosen4
