Support Rose’s Surgery and Recovery

Hi everyone,

I’m Carrie, Rose’s friend from Ireland, her second home. I’m setting up this page for my incredible friend, Rose Guilfoyle, who lives in Portland, Oregon. Rose is one of the most thoughtful, generous, and creative people I know—she’s the kind of person who’d give you the shirt off her back.

Right now, Rose is facing a tough situation, and I’m on the other side of the world wishing I could be there to help. So, I’m doing the next best thing: setting up this GoFundMe to support her during a challenging time.

Here’s what’s going on:

Rose has three large fibroid tumors in her uterus—two are the size of apples, and one is the size of a golf ball. (Yes, you read that right. Apples and a golf ball!) There’s also a high likelihood she has endometriosis, which her surgeon will address during the same procedure. While no cancer has been detected, she’s undergoing more biopsies and bloodwork to be sure.

On April 2nd, Rose will have a partial hysterectomy, exploratory laparotomy, and possibly a laparoscopy to remove the endometriosis. The surgery is estimated to cost between 20,000 and 25,000, and insurance will only cover a small percentage of that cost. OHSU, where she’s having the surgery, is a teaching and research hospital, which makes it more expensive—but it’s also the only place covered by her insurance.

Why this surgery is so important:

These tumors have been causing Rose chronic pain, severe abdominal cramps, and dangerously low iron levels (35-40 points below normal, even with supplements and medication). The physical and mental toll has made it hard for her to keep up with her studio, her home, and just life in general. On top of that, long-term low iron increases her risk of heart failure. This surgery isn’t just life-changing—it’s life-saving.

The financial challenge:

Rose is self-employed and underinsured. She’s recently started contributing to Paid Leave Oregon, a state program for medical leave, but it won’t cover her housing costs, let alone the surgery bills. She’ll be out of work for 6-8 weeks while she recovers, and the financial strain is overwhelming.

Why I’m asking for your help:

Rose is the kind of person who’s always there for others, but she’s too humble to ask for help herself. She’s had a run of bad luck lately—personal losses, taking over the full mortgage on her house after a relationship ended, and now this surgery. It’s just not fair for someone as kind and caring as Rose to face all of this alone.

I’m setting a goal of $20,000 to cover her surgery costs, recovery expenses, and some breathing room so she can focus on healing without worrying about losing her home or her studio. Every little bit helps, and I know Rose will be overwhelmed by the love and support.

A little more about Rose:

Rose is a creative, funny, and deeply caring person. She’s the kind of friend who remembers your favorite book, sends you a random hand crocheted scarf just because, and makes you laugh even on your worst days. She’s also fiercely independent, which is why she’d never ask for help like this herself.

How you can help:

Donate if you can. No amount is too small, and every dollar brings her closer to a worry-free recovery.

Share this page. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign with your network makes a huge difference.

Send good vibes.

Thank you so much for reading Rose’s story and for any support you can offer. Let’s show her that even when life feels overwhelming, she’s not alone.

With love and gratitude,

Carrie (and Rose who will be dying inside over this page)