News - Rose Queen and court bring cheer—and roses—to USC Norris Cancer Hospital patients and staff in its 30th year.

The Rose Queen® and Rose Court bring cheer and roses to cancer patients and staff for the 30th year Gasps of happy surprise. Demonstrations of the “royal wave.” And the distribution of dozens of press-on embroidered miniature roses. These are just some of the moments that marked the 30th annual visit of the 2026 Tournament of Roses® Rose Court to USC Norris Cancer Hospital on Nov. 20. The young women toured the hospital, met with patients and staff and gained insights into the latest cancer breakthroughs. “Everyone loves this annual visit, which is one of the highlights of the year and such a positive experience for our patients,” said David Miller, a patient experience representative at the hospital, whose team helped arrange the event. The young women first visited the day hospital, where patients receive out-patient cancer treatments, and then toured in-patient units. They also got the chance to examine a new, state-of-the-art advanced radiation therapy device that precisely targets cancer tumors. Along the way, the Rose Court members shared stories and smiles with patients and nurses, passed out roses and posed for photos. For Princess Livia de Paula, who plans to pursue nursing, meeting cancer patients held a special meaning. “Cancer runs in my family,” she said. “It means a lot to see the resiliency here and to inspire people to keep on going,” she said. And Rose Queen Serena Guo revealed that she has a personal connection to the hospital. “My mom used to do research upstairs [at USC Norris] when she was pregnant with me, so you could say, I grew up here,” she said. The young women’s presence made a meaningful impression on the patients. “This is so exciting,” said a patient receiving treatment for liver cancer in the day hospital. “I’ve seen the parade on the TV and now they are here. Just knowing they are taking the time to see me brightens my day.” Another patient echoed this enthusiasm. “The Rose Parade is such an uplifting event for everyone, and it’s a great honor to meet the Rose Queen,” he said. The grandfather of 15 and great grandfather of seven viewed the visit of the Rose Court as another stroke of luck to add to the fact that he has survived cancer for five years. “The treatments I’ve received have improved my cancer to the point they can hardly detect it,” he said. After the tour, the young women met with hospital leaders to learn more about cancer care and to gain advice about potential careers in medicine. The Rose Parade, now in its 137th year, is a time-honored tradition in Pasadena. The Rose Court attends nearly 100 community and media functions, serving as ambassadors of the Tournament of Roses. Their reign will culminate with riding on the Rose Court float in the Rose Parade on January 1, 2026. The USC Norris Cancer Hospital is part of USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of the eight original comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute with a mission to translate scientific discoveries into innovative therapies for its patients. The cancer center is part of Keck Medicine of USC.