Embracing the Unexpected: Why you should start today
A STORY FROM THE LADIES OF CORDEZA
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Photographed by Mark Barnfield, @markbarnfield
How would you live today if you knew that tomorrow wasn’t certain? Meet Rosie. Mum of two, model, podcast host, and breast cancer survivor, whose story is as inspiring as it is real. In 2023, Rosie’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer, the most aggressive form of the disease. What followed were countless hospital visits and moments that pushed her to her limits both physically and emotionally. Yet through it all, Rosie has become a symbol of resilience and hope. She’s learned to find strength in vulnerability and purpose in sharing her story. Rosie’s journey reminds us that we can’t always control what happens to us but we can choose how we respond, and sometimes, it’s finding joy in the simple things we had all along.
Prior to her diagnosis, Rosie found fulfilment in the everyday joys of family, friends, career, and routine. But her diagnosis marked a turning point, awakening a shift in how she views the world and her place in it. What began as a personal challenge, evolved into a mission to create meaning from her experience and to inspire others to find strength in their own.
“My priorities have definitely changed. Going through something life changing and a disease that could have killed you, gives you clarity on what’s important.”
Rosie opens up about her new approach to fulfilment in a life when tomorrow is unknown. She shares that her attention has turned toward making a positive difference in the world and striving, above all, to be the kind of person she's proud to be. This perspective inspired Everything Changed, her podcast series that delves into real stories of resilience and the pivotal moments that shape the people we become.
“I wanted to create a space where people can share their story, it can be cathartic, but also by sharing, it helps others feel less alone with what they are going through.”
Through these conversations, Rosie builds authentic connections with listeners by amplifying the voices of remarkable individuals. The rawness and deeply human approach to Everything Changed invites listeners to feel seen and reminded of the shared strength in personal stories. Each episode becomes a reminder that vulnerability is a bridge, not a barrier.
Aside from running her podcast and being a full time mother, Rosie works as a fashion model, a career and industry she has worked in for many years. For Rosie, fashion has always been about both function and self-expression, “day-to-day I want to be casual but also chic and put together,” she says. “I just buy what I like, I’m not a neutral girl and I don’t really follow trends.”
Her style philosophy is simple but empowering; just wear what feels good. She laughs, “I like comfort and anything that doesn’t require ironing!”
Rosie’s laid back approach to style is seen in her new perspective on aging. There’s a quiet strength in her outlook on getting older, a view which shifted after her diagnosis. “Getting old is a privilege,” she says. “I didn’t realise that before, but now I don't worry about it. I just hope I’m lucky enough to grow old and be there to see my children grow up.”
Her outlook challenges a culture obsessed with youth, reminding us that aging isn’t something to resist, but something to be grateful for. This is a lesson that grounds her, a reminder not to get swept up in things out of our control. “I really try not to let small things bother me anymore and manage my stress better,” she shares. “I’ve found walking, especially in the woods, is so good for my headspace.”
Aside from daily movement and being outdoors, through her journey, Rosie’s found that one of the most powerful sources of healing has been connection. “Being part of a community makes me feel understood and seen,” she says, “with breast cancer, the friends and sisterhood I’ve found have been such a comfort.”
Her advice for women facing their own unexpected, life-changing challenges is simple but profound: “Now is your second chance at really living, so make the most of each day and opportunity.”
Today, Rosie lives with a renewed sense of clarity and gratitude grounded in family, community, helping others and the belief that fulfilment is found in authenticity. “I think age and wisdom make me feel confident,” she reflects. It’s clear that confidence, for her, comes not from perfection but from perspective, the kind that only life’s hardest chapters can teach.
Rosie’s journey is a reminder to all of us that even in the face of uncertainty, purpose can rise from adversity.
You can listen to the Everything Changed Podcast here