Celebrating Women names Cheryl Joyner and Courtney Joyner Gage 2026 co-chairs
At a recent dinner with friends, Courtney Joyner Gage found herself in a conversation that has become increasingly common among women her age—talking about genetic testing, risk and the reality of breast cancer showing up earlier than expected. For her and her mother, Cheryl Joyner, those moments have taken on new weight this year.
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation has named the mother-daughter pair as co-chairs of the 2026 Celebrating Women Luncheon, marking a unique, multigenerational leadership team to help advance the fight against breast cancer. This year’s luncheon will be held at the Hilton Anatole on Friday, October 30.
Cheryl brings a longstanding connection to Celebrating Women, having served as underwriting chair in 2019, and witnessed firsthand how the luncheon advances early detection, research and care for women facing breast cancer. “I saw how the funds raised directly support the cutting-edge research and innovative treatment taking place right here in Dallas,” she said. “That experience made the mission deeply personal—particularly the role early detection plays in improving outcomes.”
For Courtney, the urgency feels increasingly close to home. “These aren’t outlier stories anymore. They’re becoming part of everyday conversations,” she said. At the same time, access to screening and care is not equal, making donor support critical in helping close those gaps and ensure more women receive the care they need.
Serving together felt like a natural extension of a value they’ve long shared.
“Supporting others isn’t situational—it’s a value you carry forward,” Courtney said.
Now in its 27th year, Celebrating Women has raised more than $43 million to advance the fight against breast cancer in North Texas.
