The Baylor Health Care System (BHCS) Foundation recently announced that Geralyn Lucas, breast cancer survivor and author of "Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy," will be the featured speaker at the 2008 Celebrating Women Luncheon, benefiting breast cancer research, community outreach, and expanded technology for early detection and treatment throughout Baylor Health Care System.
The luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16, at 11:45 a.m. at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Freeway in Dallas. For information about underwriting opportunities and tickets, call 214-820-4500 or email BaylorEvent@BaylorHealth.edu.
Sue Porter and Debbie Snell will co-chair the event. Marilyn Augur and her daughters Margaret Hancock, Ann Hardaway and Elizabeth Taylor will serve as the honorary chairmen.
"Baylor is committed to combating breast cancer and this luncheon is an integral part of that initiative," says Rowland K. Robinson, president of Baylor Health Care System Foundation. "Our hope is that Geralyn's story will remind us how breast cancer can devastate the lives of women at any age, and how we need to join together to protect our loved ones from the disease."
Geralyn Lucas was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 27 while working as a producer for ABC News' 20/20. Her book, "Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy," is a memoir of her battle with the disease: a detailed account of her diagnosis, treatment and emotional struggle. The book was later turned into an Emmy-nominated Lifetime Original Movie. Lucas has spent the last five years at Lifetime Television where she now serves as director of corporate communications overseeing Lifetime's initiative Stop Breast Cancer for Life.
A longtime supporter of Baylor Health Care System, Debbie Snell also served as the underwriting chair for the 2004 Celebrating Women luncheon. She most recently chaired the 2006 Crystal Charity Ball and has volunteered with Children's Medical Center and LeukemiaTexas.
"It is an honor to raise money for such a worthy cause," says Snell. "As a mother of daughters and a breast cancer survivor, it is extremely important to me that we educate young women about the significance of early detection. Geralyn's story is an example of how breast cancer can affect any woman regardless of her age or family history."
Sue Porter has served as the Homebound Teacher for the Highland Park Independent School District for the past 22 years where she works with students who are unable to attend school due to illness or injury. As a breast cancer survivor who received her treatment at Baylor, Sue is dedicated to helping Baylor contribute to the search for a cure and touch the lives of women in North Texas affected by breast cancer.
"The people at Baylor - everyone from the doctors, nurses, staff, volunteers and others - are all passionate about their jobs, and it shows in the treatment and dedication to their patients," says Porter. "The future is bright for the fight against breast cancer in North Texas and Baylor is leading the way."
Baylor Health Care System Foundation, a separately incorporated not-for-profit organization, raises and manages charitable funds to support Baylor Health Care System's mission of exemplary health care, education, research and community service. Since the foundation was established in 1978, it has given back to Baylor Health Care System more than $300 million. Support comes from approximately 6,200 active donors, including individuals, corporations and other private foundations.
Contact: Ashley Howland, (214) 820-7540
Email: 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
