of wondered , ‘ Was I going to make it ?’ Spoiler alert ! I ’ m here ,” Carolyn said in the video . “ The women at the Celebrating Women lunch in 2010 may have saved my life , and that ’ s what we need to do for
the women in 2030 .”
Later , survivors from across the 25 years of Celebrating Women were honored on stage , representing the courage and resilience of countless women who have faced this disease . “ What an incredible honor it is to stand beside 25 years of survivors ,” said Ben Renberg , president of the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation , who spoke at the luncheon . “ You represent courage beyond measure and inspire everyone in this room .”
Ben also talked about the importance of ongoing research in the fight against breast cancer . “ Leading the way are Dr . Ronan Kelly and Dr . Joyce O ’ Shaughnessy ,” he said . Ronan Kelly , MD , is the director of oncology , Baylor Scott & White Charles A . Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and chief of oncology , North Texas Division , Baylor Scott & White . Joyce O ’ Shaughnessy , MD , is the Celebrating Women Chair in Breast Cancer Research at Baylor Scott & White .
“ With support from this year ’ s
More than $ 42 million has been raised over the last 25 years through Celebrating Women .
luncheon , they are enrolling patients in a first-of-its-kind study exploring how new weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro ® could play a role in reducing breast cancer recurrence ,” Ben said . “ This trial is 100 %
supported through philanthropy , and if successful , could be a game-changer for those at high risk of recurrence .”
Olivia Munn shares her connection to the cause
The event concluded with a conversation between moderator René Syler , a breast cancer “ thriver ” herself , and featured guest Olivia Munn . An actress , advocate and survivor , Olivia brought her unique perspective to the stage , as she shared her own breast cancer journey with honesty and openness .
Despite having normal mammograms and genetic testing results that showed no cancer-causing gene mutations , Olivia ’ s doctor performed a breast cancer risk assessment , which indicated she was still at high risk . In 2023 , Olivia had an MRI and learned she had breast cancer in both breasts . A biopsy showed it was an aggressive , fast-growing subtype of the disease .
Olivia underwent a double mastectomy and oophorectomy to reduce exposure to the hormones that the breast cancer was
dependent on . She is now a vocal advocate for risk assessments , which can help women understand their risk and intercept cancer earlier — a mission closely aligned with the Baylor Scott & White High-Risk Breast Screening Program .
Olivia shared the emotional and physical challenges of her recent diagnosis , expressing gratitude for the support from her husband , family and physicians .
“ You have to be the one to walk the path and fight it ,” Olivia said of those diagnosed with breast cancer , “ but you ’ re not doing it alone .” Her words resonated with the audience , which was packed with fellow survivors , physicians , researchers and generous donors who have united around this cause for so many years .
The 25th anniversary of Celebrating Women was a testament to the power of community , resilience and hope . Through shared stories , heartfelt gratitude and a commitment to fueling research , the event honored the past , celebrated the present and looked toward a future of new innovations , treatments and care for women and families facing a breast cancer diagnosis .
For more information on this effort , visit BSWHealth . com / CelebratingWomen .
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5 . Norm Bagwell and Elaine Agather ; 6 . Laura Downing , Tracey Kozmetsky , Carol Gaglia , Beth Johnson and Sarah Matlock ; 7 . Caroline Pratt Cohn ; 8 . Anita Arnold , Gene Jones and Gayle Stoffel ; 9 . Connie O ’ Neill and Linda Custard ; 10 . Pam Perella , Christie Carter , Debbie Oates and Claire Emanuelson
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / WINTER 2024 7