Baylor Health Care System Foundation recently hosted its 15th annual Celebrating Women luncheon at the Hilton Anatole, and more than 1,200 supporters took a big step in the fight against breast cancer by raising more than $2.4 million for the cause.

Co-chairs Lisa Longino and Daffan Nettle recruited Maggie Kipp to be this year’s underwriting chairm, and you had to know big things would happen. For starters, the Spangenberg Family Foundation donated $1 million to breast cancer research, and, as the results show, it caused quite the ripple effect in donations.

As guests — including Lynn McBee, Debbie Oates, Karen Key, Katherine Coker and Kim Miller — dined, the Circle of Care Award was bestowed upon Tom Thumb, which has been the presenting sponsor of the Celebrating Women luncheon for the past 10 years, with total contributions exceeding $1 million.

Lindalyn Adams also received special recognition for her commitment, dedication and leadership in Baylor’s fight against breast cancer. She has been instrumental in the luncheon’s success the past 15 years.

Following the award presentations, speaker Amy Robach took the stage. The Good Morning America co-host had a very public battle with the disease in 2013 when she had her first mammogram at the age of 40 live on the air. A few weeks later, Robach received the devastating news that she had breast cancer.

She underwent a double mastectomy and completed treatment earlier this year. Guests hung on every word as Robach bravely shared her story and the importance of early detection.

Since its inception in 2000, the Celebrating Women luncheon has raised more than $24 million to support advanced diagnostic equipment; innovative clinical research; and, most important, safe, quality, compassionate care for Baylor’s patients and families.