At Togather, we’re all about creating spaces where healthcare providers can connect, share, and support each other. Our recent fireside chat with Rochelle G. Prosser, RN, CLNC, founder of Orchid Healthcare Solutions, was a perfect example of why this work matters so much.

Rochelle’s story isn’t just one of professional achievement—though 30 years of nursing, caregiving, and data science is nothing to sneeze at. It’s also a deeply personal journey. For 15 years, she walked alongside multiple family members through their cancer battles, navigating a healthcare system that wasn’t built with people like us in mind. Orchid Healthcare Solutions is Rochelle’s way of giving back, ensuring that vulnerable populations and communities of color have the support and resources they need to survive and thrive during their oncological journeys.

"I am a neurotrauma nurse. I am a wife and mother of two cancer survivors. My husband and my youngest child were diagnosed with cancer at the same time. That experience, navigating the healthcare system for my family, is what drives me to ensure that others, especially those in marginalized communities, don’t have to fight as hard as I did to get the care they deserve."

Community Power: The Experiences That Connect Us

Rochelle and I didn’t just talk about our professional experiences; we shared our personal stories as Black women, nurses, and mothers of children with cancer. These stories are at the heart of everything we do because they’re what connect us to each other and to the communities we serve. As the mother of a survivor of leukemia, Rochelle’s story of fighting for her family’s care resonated with me deeply.

Community is everything. It helped me navigate the toughest days of fighting my son's cancer, and it’s why I created Togather in the first place. We need spaces where we can be seen, heard, and supported—where our experiences aren’t just acknowledged but validated. Rochelle echoed this sentiment throughout our chat. Having a community that understands your struggles and stands with you makes all the difference, especially in healthcare.

Navigating Challenges: The Harsh Realities of Cancer Care

Cancer doesn’t discriminate, but the healthcare system does. Rochelle didn’t shy away from discussing the systemic issues that continue to plague oncology care, particularly for marginalized communities.

Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, even though we’re less likely to be diagnosed with it. It’s not just about biology; it’s about access, income disparities, and a lack of culturally competent care.

In rural areas, the challenges are even greater. People living in these regions face significant barriers to accessing any level of oncology care, leading to worse outcomes. Rochelle’s work with Orchid Healthcare Solutions addresses these disparities head-on, providing the support and advocacy that so many patients lack.

Advocacy and Innovation: Making Real Change

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Rochelle is leading the charge with innovative solutions and advocacy efforts that are already making a difference in patient outcomes and health equity. Orchid Healthcare Solutions is more than just a company; it’s a movement to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or zip code, has access to the care they need.

"I want to create cancer thrivers, not just survivors."

Steps You Can Take: Be Part of the Solution

So, what can you do? Whether you’re a healthcare provider or just someone who cares about equitable care, there are concrete steps you can take to make a difference. Continual education on cultural competence is key. We need to understand the communities we serve if we want to provide the best care possible. Jumping into advocacy—whether through policy change, community organizing, or simply speaking out—is another powerful way to drive change. And finally, utilize the resources around you. Community is strength, and together, we can create a healthcare system that works for everyone.

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