PROGRAMS SPECIAL EVENT
Beyond the Bag
Beyond Expectations : Supporting the addition of a new nurse navigator to the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center
The 13th Annual Beyond the Bag event hosted by Baylor Scott & White All Saints Health Foundation buzzed with excitement as over 300 guests , decked out in their finest cocktail attire , arrived at Ridglea Country Club on Saturday evening , January 27 to raise funds for the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center .
Guests were treated to delicious food , refreshing cocktails and the opportunity to bid on fabulous items in the silent and live auctions . Four-time cancer survivor Joan Katz and Beyond the Bag event chair and breast cancer survivor Alicia Deane , shared the Center ’ s role as a place of refuge , comfort and hope for patients and families .
A highlight of the evening included the ringing of small silver bells that signified various groups : the survivors and their families , the dedicated team of professional and support staff at the hospital and Center , the donors , and our
1 guardian angels – those who have passed on and are watching over us .
This year ’ s event surpassed all expectations , raising an unprecedented $ 580,000 to fund the addition of a new nurse navigator to the Center . The Center is committed to meeting the needs of the increasing number of individuals seek support , education , and hope , by expanding the team of nurse and certified patient navigators to meet the growing needs of our community .
A special thank you to our presenting sponsors , BoomerJack ’ s Grill and the Dallas-Fort Worth Area Lexus Dealers . Mark your calendars now for the 14th Annual Beyond the Bag , Saturday January 25 , 2025 .
For more information about Beyond the Bag , including event sponsorships , tickets , or donations for the auction , please contact Kathy Jo Zeigler at 817.922.7706 or Katherine . Zeigler @ BSWHealth . org .
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1 . Steve and Alicia Deane , Joan and Howard Katz ; 2 . Donna Street , Mary Lowe and Judy Koslow ; 3 . Shirley Dean , Corliss Baldwin , Harriette Gachman and Jeanie Huffman ; 4 . JKCRC Team and Engle ; 5 . Arnie Gachman , Amy Adkins , Demetra and Charles Williams ; 6 . Paul Dorman and Robin Froeschke ; and 10 . Lily and Andre Le .
Meet Lauren Break , RN
Named one of Dallas-Fort Worth ’ s Great 100 Nurses , Lauren Break joined the staff of the Joan Katz Cancer Resource Center in November 2023 to work as the Center ’ s designated head and neck oncology nurse navigator .
The mother of two has been a nurse at Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth for six years . Prior to her new role with the Center , Lauren was a charge nurse on the Progressive Care Unit ( PCU ).
According to Lauren , before her work in Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth ’ s PCU , she had never worked with head and neck cancer patients . She quickly discovered that she has a real passion for this population . Lauren shared there is an enormous amount of education that goes on when patients are learning about medical equipment , such as a feeding tube or an airway . “ This equipment is now a part of who they are , so I love helping them to learn how to use everything and be comfortable . I not only want them to know how to care for themselves but how to thrive in their new ‘ normal .’”
On being a nurse navigator , Lauren says that she loves the transition and the connections she is making with her patients . “ I believe this has allowed me to develop deeper , more meaningful relationships with my patients to better support them .”
When she is not working , Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and children . She is also very involved in her church . She says , " If we are not at home , you can likely find us at church ."
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SPRING 2024