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supportive,” Rose said.“ They just want me to get better so that way I can actually enjoy the summer with them.”
That, more than anything, is what keeps her going. As she continues recovering from surgery and waits for follow-up appointments, Rose said she is focused on the simple things she wants back— playing with her children, fishing, riding the side-by-side, swimming and taking family trips again.
“ Being able to play with my kids, like, just being normal again,” she said.“ Being able to go fishing, being able to ride the side by side— just enjoy my kids favorite place, Dollywood, and walk around.”
For others who may be dealing with unexplained symptoms or long stretches without a diagnosis, Rose said her message is to keep pushing, keep asking questions and pay close attention to their care.
“ Know your doctor, know what you’ re doing, know what you’ re signing,” she said.“ Be very careful.”
Rose’ s journey is not over. She still has follow-up visits ahead, and she says there are still unanswered questions about her condition. But today, she says she can see at least a little light ahead.
“ There’ s a light at the end of the tunnel,” Rose said.“ I feel like I’ m a little bit hopeful.”
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During her most recent surgery in Louisville, it was revealed that Rose had a hole in her stomach causing her intestines to be choked— resulting in the removal of her hernia.
Photo courtesy Casey Rose
12 l 2026 GOOD HEALTH