As all North Texas non-profits were trying to beat the Easter Bunny with news, Baylor Scott and White Dallas Foundation (BSWDF) held a ladies lunch yesterday at a “local country club.” But it wasn’t just any gals in attendance. The group was made up of the past Celebrating Women Luncheon chairs (Pam Busbee, Christie Carter, Laura Downing, Tucker Enthoven, Fredye Factor, Ola Fojtasek, Elizabeth Gambrell, Margo Goodwin, Karen Halsell, Randi Halsell, Lisa Longino, Sarah Losinger, Peggy Meyer, Gretchen Minyard, Debbie Oates, Pam Perella, Michal Powell, Aileen Pratt, Carol Seay and Debbie Snell).
While the ladies were were not only pleased with an announcement to learn about plans for the Celebrating Women Luncheon’s 25th anniversary year, but signed on to serve as honorary chairs for the multimillion-dollar fundraiser.
It was announced that philanthropist/community leader Linda Custard would serve as Celebrating Women Luncheon Silver Jubilee Presiding Chair.
According to BSWDF VP Christina Goodman, “Over the last 25 years, Celebrating Women has raised more than $40 million to advance the fight against breast cancer, and Linda has been an instrumental force and loyal supporter from the earliest days. [The late] Lindalyn Adams always spoke so highly of Linda, their friendship, and all Linda did to pave the way for Komen and the eventual launch of Celebrating Women. We are so honored to recognize her many contributions as a champion for women’s health and particularly those facing a breast cancer diagnosis.”
Christina stressed that Linda’s role “is an advisory role and a wonderful opportunity for our team to celebrate and honor Linda and all her contributions through Komen and Celebrating Women.”
In discussing Breast Cancer Risk Assessment, Baylor Scott and White High-Risk Breast Screening Program Medical Director Dr. Kaitlin Bokhari told the group how actress Olivia “The Newsroom” Munn‘s recently learning her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score ‘saved’ her life.
Kaitlin explained that “more than 15,000 North Texas women, who had been unaware of the possibility, have been identified as high-risk for breast cancer since the program’s inception.
As BSWDF President Ben Renberg said, “We couldn’t imagine celebrating this milestone year without all the leaders who made this tremendous impact possible. Our team is incredibly honored and thrilled to recognize each of them and their countless, ongoing contributions this October.”
The 25th anniversary luncheon will take place at the Hilton Anatole on Friday, October 18. In the meantime, start putting your table together and schedule that mammogram. It might just be a lifesaving appointment.