15th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATING WOMEN LUNCHEON RAISES $2.4 MILLION

Baylor Health Care System Foundation hosted its 15th annual Celebrating Women luncheon on October 24 at the Hilton Anatole hotel in Dallas. The 2014 luncheon raised more than $2.4 million, including a generous $1 million gift from the Spangenberg Family Foundation, to benefit Baylor Health Care System's fight against breast cancer.

With numerous survivors and co-survivors in attendance for the luncheon, an audience of more than 1,100 attendees participated in honoring their fight throughout the program. Thirty-two year breast cancer survivor, philanthropist and community leader, Lindalyn Adams, received special recognition at this year's luncheon. Instrumental in the success of Celebrating Women the past 15 years, Lindalyn was honored for her commitment, dedication and leadership in Baylor's fight against breast cancer.

The keynote address was delivered by Amy Robach, Good Morning America co-host and breast cancer survivor, who left few dry eyes after sharing her very personal and very public battle with the devastating disease.

She recalled a friend recently complaining about aging and wrinkles. "The first thought that came to my head was ‘God, I hope I have wrinkles. I hope I see my 50s, 60s and 70s," shared Amy. "And now I look at wrinkles as a badge of honor, and it's just a completely different way of looking at life because I am so grateful…I never knew how beautiful life was until I had cancer."

The event, chaired by Lisa Longino and Daffan Nettle honored presenting sponsor, Tom Thumb, with the Circle of Care Award. The award is given to those who have served as advocates, volunteers, educators or donors and have made a difference in the campaign against breast cancer. For the past 10 years, Tom Thumb has served as presenting sponsor of the Celebrating Women luncheon with total contributions exceeding $1 million.

The W.H. and Peggy Smith Family served as honorary chairmen and Maggie Kipp was this year's underwriting chairman.

Since the first Celebrating Women luncheon in 2000, more than $24 million has been raised to support advanced diagnostic equipment, innovative clinical research, and most importantly, safe, quality, compassionate care for Baylor's patients and families.

"With one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, you are hard pressed to find someone who hasn't been touched by the disease," said Rowland K. Robinson, Foundation president. "We are grateful to all those who have joined us in the fight against breast cancer through their support of Celebrating Women. Every donation, no matter the amount, has a ripple effect. If there are enough of us, we can make a big difference in the lives of women and families fighting this disease."

For more information on breast cancer initiatives at Baylor, contact Sarah Burdi at 214.820.4721 or Sarah.Burdi@BaylorHealth.edu.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities for the 2015 Celebrating Women luncheon, contact Christina Goodman at 214.820.4408 or Christina.Goodman@BaylorHealth.edu.