25 Years of Hope
Celebrating Women Luncheon hits milestone anniversary with more than $ 40 million raised in the fight against breast cancer .
SPECIAL EVENTS
eople often refer to breast cancer patients as heroes , a label that acknowledges a woman ’ s bravery and strength .
But breast cancer survivor Carolyn Brown doesn ’ t consider herself a hero , despite enduring six months of chemotherapy , radiation and five surgeries to combat stage 3 , triple-negative breast cancer in 2016 and 2017 .
For Carolyn , the real heroes are the Baylor Scott & White Health clinicians who cared for her and her family , including her then 6-year-old son , Jack , while she was fighting for her life . Generous Celebrating Women donors are also heroes in Carolyn ’ s eyes .
Speaking at the recent Celebrating Women kickoff and letter-signing event , Carolyn addressed committee members , emphasizing the impact her care team and donors have had on her life .
“ You have been here for 25 years raising money and awareness ,” Carolyn said . “ You didn ’ t know me , yet you were doing work that benefited me .”
Carolyn ’ s words highlighted the significant impact that Celebrating Women funds have had on her and other breast cancer patients in North Texas . Over the past 25 years , Celebrating Women has been instrumental in advancing the diagnosis , treatment and care of those facing breast cancer . Since its launch in 1999 , the annual event has raised more than $ 40 million , fueling advanced technology , innovative clinical research and programs that offer support for patients and their families throughout their journey .
“ You have been here for 25 years raising money and awareness . You didn ’ t know me , yet you were doing work that benefited me .”
— Carolyn Brown
The 25th Anniversary Celebrating Women Luncheon will be held Friday , October
18 , 2024 , at the Hilton Anatole Hotel . For the 20th consecutive year , Tom Thumb and Albertsons Companies Foundation will serve as the luncheon ’ s presenting sponsor .
“ Celebrating Women donors have been instrumental in helping provide breast cancer patients access to clinical trials , genetic counseling and patient
25 Years . $ 40 Million . Countless Lives Impacted .
1999
Celebrating Women launches as a press conference and announces the opening of the W . H . and Peggy Smith Breast Center at Baylor University Medical Center ( BUMC ), the first of its kind in the Metroplex .
2000
BUMC was the first in the country to evaluate digital mammography with computer-assisted detection .
Celebrating Women holds its first event with more than 1,000 in attendance and $ 189,000 raised .
2006
A major clinical study in which BUMC participated concludes . The study confirms the effectiveness of two estrogen blockers in preventing and treating certain types of breast cancer . In addition , BSW researchers continue to make great strides in immunotherapy treatments for breast cancer .
2007
BSW opens the Darlene G . Cass Imaging Centers , offering specialized breast care and advanced imaging in the Metroplex .
The Gift of Life fund is created to help women in underserved communities access breast services .
To date , nearly $ 2 million has been raised for this fund .
2008
BUMC is home to one of only a few breast surgery oncology fellowships in the U . S . and a highly sought-after breast radiology fellowship .
2009
The Celebrating Women Chair for Breast Cancer Research is established , and luminary breast oncologist Joyce O ’ Shaughnessy , MD , is named chairholder .
2010
Since 2010 , when patient navigators became a part of the care offered at BSW , Celebrating Women funds have supported this important resource . Last year alone , patient navigators empowered 320 breast cancer patients throughout their care journey — identifying and resolving barriers , answering questions and providing guidance — free of charge . 2011
The new Baylor Scott & White Charles A . Sammons Cancer Center — the largest outpatient cancer center in North Texas — opens to patients .
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SUMMER 2024