As the featured guest of Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Celebrating Women luncheon on October 11, Kristin Chenoweth proved that you don’t have to be big to be hugely impactful.

The Emmy and Tony Award-winning singer and actress was inspired to become an advocate in the fight against breast cancer after witnessing her mother and aunts battle the disease. Interviewed by Rowland K. Robinson, Foundation president, Kristin spoke to an audience of 1,100 supporters—donors, researchers, physicians, patients, survivors and loved ones—sharing how she helped support her mother during her two-time battle with breast cancer.

“They will have days where they are just crying. Let them cry. Just be there and try to make them laugh. But if not, just hold their hand and let them cry. This is what it’s about—just supporting the person and letting them have their good and bad days,” said Kristin. “All my life I have been on the receiving end of my mother’s love and care and never had the opportunity to be the one to be needed. Until it was my turn, I never had the inkling of what real privilege is. It was a privilege.”

Presented by Tom Thumb and Albertsons for the 15th consecutive year, this year’s efforts raised more than $1.7 million to benefit Baylor Scott & White Health’s fight against breast cancer in North Texas. During their remarks, Laura Downing, 2019 chairman, and Cheryl Joyner, underwriting chairman, shared that funds raised through this year’s luncheon will help launch a High-risk Breast Program, the first of its kind in North Texas.

“Thanks to 20 years of Celebrating Women, Baylor Scott & White has been able to make significant investments in clinical care, technology, research and clinical trials to better serve our patients,” said BSWH CEO Jim Hinton. “And now, with your help, this new High-risk Breast Program is just one more investment and commitment that Baylor Scott & White is making for our breast cancer patients, now and in the future.”

Powerhouse couple and longtime supporters of Baylor Scott & White and Celebrating Women, Margo and Bill Goodwin were recognized as this year’s honorary chairmen for their dedication to making a lasting impact in the lives of those in our community. The late Al G. Hill Jr. was also honored with the Circle of Care award, which recognizes those who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the fight against breast cancer at Baylor Scott & White.

“Over the years, Celebrating Women received more than $1 million in support from Al,” shared Robin, “and we are grateful for his friendship, generosity and the legacy he leaves behind.”

For many in attendance, the “why” behind Celebrating Women was best demonstrated through breast cancer patient Jennifer Cordts’ powerful story of seeking answers and a diagnosis for 11 months. Jennifer is one of the many reasons why Baylor Scott & White and Celebrating Women remain committed to research and treatments for those who are fighting this disease. Over the last two decades, more than $35 million has been raised.