the torch Winter 2013, Issue 4 | Page 15

The keynote address was delivered by Chris Spielman, an ESPN college football analyst, 11-year veteran in the NFL and member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Besides his role as a father of four, Chris considers his most important job to be a cancer warrior – continuing the fight that he and his late wife, Stefanie, started together shortly after her first diagnosis of breast cancer in 1998. Through his awareness and fundraising work, Chris remains committed to continuing Stefanie’s legacy of hope and to Rowland K. Robinson, Julia Wellborn and Joel T. Allison finding a cure. “With each year, each month and each day, there are new breakthroughs and possibilities in the fight against cancer. Those were my wife, Stefanie’s words, and they have given me the strength and determination to carry on her dream of ending this terrible disease,” said Chris. “I am optimistic that cancer will be cured in my lifetime, we just have to give talented people the tools to succeed.” The event, chaired by Debbie Oates, recognized The Selkirk Family, The Dallas Morning News and WFAA, Channel 8 with Circle of Care Awards. The Circle of Care Award is given to those who have served as advocates, volunteers, educators or donors and have made a difference in the cam- Barry and Lana Andrews and Lisa and Kenny Troutt paign against breast cancer. The Lana and Barry Andrews Family served as this year’s honorary chairmen and Christie Carter and Susan McSherry were this year’s underwriting chairmen. Over the past 14 years, Celebrating Women has raised more than $20 million to benefit Baylor Health Care System’s fight against breast cancer. During the luncheon, Rowland K. Robinson, Foundation president, announced that $600,000 raised through Celebrating Women would be awarded in support of Baylor’s genetic counseling program. These funds will expand the number of genetic counselors and genetic data specialists at Baylor, empowering hundreds of women with advanced diagnostic Toni Brinker, Al Hill Jr., Elisa Hill Summers and Billie Leigh Rippey CLICK HERE to view more photos from the 2013 Celebrating Women events. give.baylorhealth.com 15