For more than two decades, Celebrating Women has united advocates, caregivers, survivors and supporters around a shared mission: to change the future of breast cancer.
What began as a luncheon has now grown into a movement, raising more than $42 million to fuel innovative research, advance early detection and invest in programs that enhance care for women and their families facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Presented by Tom Thumb and Albertsons Companies Foundation, that movement continues with the 26th annual Celebrating Women Luncheon on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.
Luncheon co-chairs: A story of friendship and strength
This year’s luncheon will be co-chaired by longtime friends Lindsay Ballotta and Carolyn Brown, whose shared journey through breast cancer brings a deeply personal connection to the Celebrating Women mission. In 2016, Carolyn was diagnosed with stage III triple-negative breast cancer. Throughout her treatment, Lindsay was by her side, offering constant encouragement and strength. Their friendship, which began in a law firm more than 25 years ago, was fortified by this experience—proving that the path through cancer is never walked alone.
Carolyn’s voice has long been part of the Celebrating Women story, from delivering the invocation at the 2017 luncheon during her treatment, to joyfully celebrating another year in remission at the 25th anniversary event. Together, Carolyn and Lindsay now lend their leadership and heart to this year’s effort, exemplifying the community that defines Celebrating Women.
“When I was diagnosed, Lindsay was by my side every step, dropping off homemade meals, devotionals, even researching which water wouldn’t taste metallic during chemo,” added Carolyn Brown.
Celebrating Women gave me hope when I needed it most, and now we get to give that hope to others.
–Carolyn Brown
Featured guest: Home Edit’s Clea Shearer
The 2025 luncheon will feature Clea Shearer—entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of the globally recognized lifestyle brand The Home Edit—as this year’s featured guest. While she may be best known for helping millions bring order and beauty into their homes through her Emmy-nominated Netflix series and signature product line, Clea faced her most personal challenge in 2022 when she was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive breast cancer at age 40.
Within days of discovering a lump during a self-exam, Clea began an aggressive course of treatment that included chemotherapy, radiation and eight surgeries—emerging cancer-free and more passionate than ever about early detection and self-advocacy.
“I didn’t choose this fight, but I chose how I would face it—with honesty, humor and hope,” she shared.
This fall, Clea will release her memoir, Cancer Is Complicated: And Other Unexpected Lessons I’ve Learned, offering candid insights, practical advice and the kind of support she wished she had during her own journey. At the luncheon, Clea will participate in an inspiring conversation moderated by Pat Smith, minister, best-selling author and founder of Treasure You, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women. Her advocacy is deeply personal following the loss of her mother to breast cancer.
Honoring a visionary in breast cancer research
In addition to announcing Clea as the featured guest, Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation has also revealed this year’s honorary chair: Joyce O’Shaughnessy, MD, one of the nation’s leading breast oncologists and the Celebrating Women Chair in Breast Cancer Research at Baylor Scott & White Health.
“For more than four decades, Dr. O’Shaughnessy has served thousands of breast cancer patients with unwavering dedication and profound compassion,” said Christina Goodman, Foundation president.
“Her fierce and lifelong commitment to ensuring that women—especially those facing the most aggressive forms of breast cancer—have access to better treatments, more time and renewed hope has helped redefine what’s possible in breast cancer care. She is not only a leader in research, but a source of strength and inspiration to the patients and families she so tirelessly serves.”
Celebrating Women Circle of Care Award
This year, Celebrating Women will proudly honor the Mary Kay Ash Foundation with its prestigious Circle of Care Award, recognizing advocates, volunteers, educators or donors who have shaped the future of breast cancer care. Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the foundation raises and distributes funds to invest in cancer research to find cures for cancers affecting women and to end domestic violence against women.
Over the past two decades, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has generously contributed more than $1.3 million to cancer research programs at Baylor Scott & White. Most recently, their support has fueled the TRIM-EBC Clinical Trial, an innovative study led by Dr. O’Shaughnessy investigating the impact of weight loss drugs on breast cancer recurrence.
“Mary Kay Ash envisioned a world where women live free from cancer and domestic violence. Today, that dream lives on and drives us forward,” said Michael Lunceford, president of the board of directors, Mary Kay Ash Foundation. “It’s an honor to support research innovation and advancements in patient care through Baylor Scott & White. Together we’re turning hope into breakthroughs, research into cures, and care into compassion—creating a healthier, brighter tomorrow for women everywhere.”
“It’s an honor to support research innovation and advancements in patient care through Baylor Scott & White.
-Michael Lunceford, president of the board of directors, Mary Kay Ash Foundation
Your participation in Celebrating Women supports a future where breast cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively and survivorship is a reality for more patients and their families.
