On October 25, nearly 1,300 attendees came together in the fight against breast cancer at the 19th annual Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Celebrating Women luncheon.
Presented for the 14th consecutive year by Tom Thumb and Albertsons, the event raised
nearly $1.8 million to benefit Baylor Scott & White Health’s fight against the disease in North Texas.
Mother-daughter team Linda Carter and Christi Carter Urschel were recognized as the 2018 Honorary Chairmen. As dedicated board members, donors and longtime supporters of Celebrating Women, their impact on Baylor Scott & White and our community is far reaching. This year’s luncheon was chaired by Pat McEvoy and Michal Powell. Shelle Sills served as underwriting chairman. Karla McKinley was honored with the Lindalyn B. Adams award, named in honor of Lindalyn Adams, who was instrumental in launching Celebrating Women 19 years ago.
Throughout her difficult battle with breast cancer, Karla demonstrated grace and strength, and through her faith and optimistic outlook was an inspiration to countless women. During her remarks, Karla shared that her journey was one that she did not fight alone. Her mother, sister, children, husband and friends rose up beside her and helped her make it through numerous rounds of treatment.
“I am humbled to be on this stage today to say that I am a breast cancer survivor and a new, proud grandmother to the most beautiful little girl you’ve ever seen,” said Karla. “My daughter and granddaughter, your daughters and granddaughters, and our mothers, sisters and friends are why we fight this battle. I’m honored to be with a group of people who are working so passionately to make sure that those facing a breast cancer diagnosis have the best possible chance to become survivors.”
Emmy award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet was the featured guest at this year’s luncheon. Best known for portraying Cameron Tucker in the ABC mockumentary sitcom, Modern Family, Eric knew that as the popularity of the show grew, so would the opportunity to share his voice for causes important to him.
Interviewed by Foundation president, Rowland K. Robinson, Eric shared an intimate glimpse into his life and advocacy work in the fight against cancer, a cause that has touched his life in various ways over the years.
“It takes a whole group of people to support those going through a battle with cancer. My mom was diagnosed 17 years ago with kidney cancer…and the way I found my usefulness, and have since found my usefulness with people, is what I’m fairly good at — making people laugh,” said Eric. “I also try to be there and listen and understand that for someone who is getting a cancer diagnosis, it is
very scary. So my message has become one of humor, but also hope.”
Since the first Celebrating Women luncheon in 2000, nearly $33 million has been raised to help Baylor Scott & White Health fight breast cancer in North Texas. Next year, the luncheon will celebrate its 20th anniversary under the leadership of 2019 chairman Laura Downing and underwriting chairman Cheryl Joyner.
For more information on Celebrating Women, contact Christina Goodman at 214.820.4408 or Christina.Goodman@BSWHealth.org.
