SPECIAL EVENT
6 n any given day , numerous women walk through the halls of Baylor Scott & White after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis that changes their lives . Thankfully , these women are not alone . Not only are exceptional care teams in their corner every step of the way , offering hope and healing , but generous community support through Celebrating Women is also helping to advance the fight against this disease .
This October , Celebrating Women raised more than $ 1 million to support significant investments to better serve patients diagnosed with breast cancer . Some of the many ways this generous support will make an impact is through our patient navigators , who serve as advocates , educators and guides to patients and their families from diagnosis , throughout treatment and into survivorship ; the High-Risk Breast Screening Program , which has already identified more than 2,000 women in North Texas who were at high risk for breast cancer and unaware ; and the Gift of Life Fund , which provides assistance to women in need of breast cancer services who are unable to afford their care .
Over the last 22 years , Celebrating Women has raised more than $ 37 million to help support the more than 20,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Texas . We are especially grateful for Tom Thumb & Albertsons Companies Foundation for their commitment as presenting sponsor for the past 17 years . Due to ongoing
COVID-19 concerns this fall , the team again decided against an in-person luncheon , but the community was unwavering in its support of this effort .
Throughout the month of October , Celebrating Women shared inspiring videos that demonstrate how community support has made an impact on the diagnosis , treatment and care of breast cancer patients at Baylor Scott & White .
Prioritize your health
Cynthia Krause ’ s decades-long connection with Baylor Scott & White is deeply personal — she has been a valued team member for nearly 20 years , she delivered triplets who spent time in the
NICU , and she recently received treatment after her breast diagnosis last year .
Despite her involvement with Celebrating Women and the many women she has worked with who have faced a breast cancer diagnosis , Cynthia shared that she delayed her annual mammogram . She encourages women to prioritize their health and get their screenings . She expresses her gratitude for Baylor Scott & White ’ s care over the years and how that example has made serving others her life ’ s work and ministry .
A “ Baylor best friend ”
Patient navigators like Stacey Webb play a crucial role in the care Baylor Scott & White provides , and thanks to Celebrating Women and generous philanthropic support , this program is offered to patients free of charge .
These dedicated navigators empower patients throughout their cancer journey — identifying and resolving barriers , answering questions , providing support and often becoming lifelong friends with patients and their families . In fact , a patient recently gave Stacey the honored title of her “ Baylor best friend .”
“ Cure is the intent ” When Krystal Smallwood-Whitaker was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2021 , the 32-year-old mother of two was not only taken by complete surprise
but was also faced with navigating the complex maze of cancer care in the midst of a pandemic .
Thankfully , she was introduced to her patient navigator , who connected her with resources to support her throughout her journey . She also worked with a dedicated team of caregivers who reminded her during each appointment that “ cure is the intent .” It ’ s these words , along with her support system at home and at Baylor Scott & White , that encourage her to keep going . Krystal just completed her final round of chemotherapy in November and shared her gratitude and optimism for the future .
Baylor Scott & White has the privilege of caring for Cynthia , Krystal and countless other women like them , and these patients are the reason Celebrating Women remains committed to advancing the fight against this disease . To watch their inspiring videos or for information on how you can support this effort , visit
BSWHealth . com / CelebratingWomen . Plans are already underway for the
2022 event under the continued leadership of luncheon co-chairs , Marybeth Conlon and Elizabeth Gambrell , and underwriting co-chairs , Amy Hegi and Libby Hegi . Their commitment to this cause has been steadfast , and Celebrating Women is grateful for their unwavering support .
THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / WINTER 2021