An anonymous donor has pledged a multimillion-dollar gift to the 2010 Celebrating Women campaign that will benefit breast cancer research, the oncology patient navigators and the oncology chaplaincy program at Baylor Health Care System.
"There's an old quote that's particularly appropriate here: 'The measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out,' " said Rowland K. Robinson, president of Baylor Health Care System Foundation. "This is a perfect demonstration of that notion, and we are so grateful for this gift, which will make a profound impact on the lives of thousands of families for years to come."
Over the last 11 years, the campaign has raised more than $16 million for the fight against breast cancer at Baylor.
Christie Carter and Cindy Carter chaired the event, and Peggy and Carl Sewell were its honorary chairmen. Former Foundation chairman of the board Leonard Riggs Jr. and his wife, Peggy, were recognized with the Circle of Care Award, as was The Discovery Foundation, which has long supported women's health initiatives at Baylor Health Care System. The awards are given to those who have served as advocates, volunteers, educators or donors and have made a difference in the campaign against breast cancer.
Keynote speakers Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker charmed the more than 1,300 in the audience with their stories about their acting careers and their struggle with her breast cancer.
The event was presented for the sixth consecutive year by the generous support of Tom Thumb.
The funds from donor's significant gift will make an impact in the new Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center outpatient building, which is scheduled to open in April 2011.
Breast cancer research will be an important beneficiary of this donation. Since 1985, our clinical trials program has pioneered the development of new drugs and technologies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Today, a large percentage of the cancer research under way at Baylor Dallas relates to breast cancer. We are participating in 26 active breast cancer clinical research trials. Much of the research is a collaboration among surgeons, pathologists, oncologists, radiologists and scientists at Baylor Dallas and at other national and international cancer centers.
Part of the funds will also be used to create Baylor's first endowed patient navigator position. Since 2008, Cynthia Robinson-Hawkins and two other nurse navigators have been helping Baylor patients chart a course on their daunting journey through cancer diagnosis and treatment. That's three navigators serving approximately 1,000 patients per year. And that number is only expected to grow.
In addition to treating physical needs, a patient navigator helps newly diagnosed patients by scheduling appointments, explaining treatment steps, tracking the patient's progress and supporting the patient emotionally and spiritually during this difficult time. Other navigator activities include providing patients with access to nutrition counseling and physical or emotional therapy, as well as facilitating clinical trials and building partnerships with local agencies and groups, such as breast cancer survivor and support groups.
Patient navigators also recognize the ways in which breast cancer affects entire families and not just the woman who is diagnosed. Together, they must face the emotional, psychological and spiritual issues that come with this disease.
Another portion of this gift will help fund the oncology chaplaincy program and create an endowment that will help sustain a dedicated cancer chaplain in perpetuity. At Baylor, our chaplains know that people's well-being has spiritual, physical, emotional, social and relational dimensions. Pastoral care strives to bring some sense of order, meaning and hope. Chaplains work in close collaboration with physicians, nurses and local clergy in each patient's care. They minister to people in pain and suffering, acting as helpful spiritual guides for families facing difficult decisions about their loved ones' care. These chaplains are especially vital to cancer patients and their families as they seek to cope with their diagnosis and treatment.
Top donors
Presenting sponsor
Tom Thumb
$250,000 and above
Anonymous
$100,000 – $249,999
Al Hill Jr. and Family
In honor of Peggy and Leonard Riggs
In honor of Peggy and Carl Sewell
Anonymous
Mrs. W. H. Smith
Tom Thumb
$50,000 – $99,999
Macy and Jim Chionsini
In memory of Dr. J. Harold Cheek
$25,000 – $49,999
Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Altshuler
Lana and Barry Andrews
Comerica Bank
Lyda Hill Foundation
Hunt Consolidated, Inc./Hunt Oil Company
T. Boone Pickens
Harold Simmons Foundation
$10,000 – $24,999
Mary Anne Cree
Virginia and Roland Dykes
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Goodwin
Mrs. Karen Faulkner Key
Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP
Sarah Losinger
The Mary Kay Foundation
Ellen and John McStay
In memory of Pat Adams
Premier Designs, Inc.
Saks Fifth Avenue/Entertainment Industry Foundation
Peggy and Carl Sewell
Dorothy (Dee) Collins Torbert
Anonymous
ARAMARK Healthcare
Baker Botts L.L.P.
Bank of America/U.S. Trust
Nancy Carter
A.L. Chilton Foundation
Kathy Crow
In honor of Kristi Hall
The Roy Gene and Pamela Evans Foundation
Gail Corder Fischer
Godwin Ronquillo PC
Sally Hoglund
Mrs. Gene C. Jones
The David B. Miller Family Foundation
In memory of Emma Lacy and Rose Anthon
Minyard Founders Foundation
Palo Verde Oil L.P.
Micki and Mike Rawlings
Dr. and Mrs. Leonard M. Riggs Jr.
Sewell Cadillac
Betsy Sowell
Lisa and Kenny Troutt
Michele F. Vobach/BofA Merrill Lynch
In memory of Anita Plante and Adele La Voie
Wayne Family Foundation
In memory of Ernestine "Ernie" Wayne
Tucean Webb, Tucean Franks and Suzanne Webb
In honor of Lindalyn Adams
Lee Ann and Alan White/PlainsCapital Bank
CONTACT:
Ashley Howland
214-820-7540
ashley.howland@baylorhealth.edu
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com