The University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Women’s Board honored CBS news anchor Katie Couric and raised $700,000 for cancer research at its 43rd Annual Cancer Ball on November 14.

Despite battling a fierce cold, Couric flew to Chicago to accept the “Partners in Discovery” award from the Women’s Board for her efforts to raise awareness about cancer screening.

The University of Chicago and its Cancer Research Center, she said, has done “so much wonderful work in the fields of cancer research and treatment for so many years.”

Her remarks to the almost 500 guests were witty, candid and focused on the value of cancer prevention, detection and research.

Founded in 1947, the UCCRF Women’s Board has helped the University of Chicago establish world-class programs in cancer genetics, immunotherapies, pharmacogenetics, biological and clinical informatics, and others.

Since the group’s inception, the women on the Board have raised more than $10 million for cancer research.

“The collective mission of the Women’s Board is to raise funds to eradicate cancer. Each member contributes enormously to our successes, especially the gala,” said co-chair Cathy Busch. Terry Brumfield co-chaired the event with Busch.

“We are thrilled that Katie Couric joined us this year,” said Busch.

“She exceeded all our expectations when she spoke about her connection to the cause, and how she has turned her own personal tragedy into a commitment of purpose. It is obvious why the public respects Katie, relates to her experiences, and values her genuineness.”

The event featured silent and live auctions with item categories including travel, food, wine, entertainment, fashion and sports. All the proceeds from this event support research at the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center (UCCRC).

Research at the UCCRC has a strong focus on early cancer detection, which is aligned with Couric’s initiatives to raise cancer awareness by demystifying the cancer screening process.

The promise of early detection is that it will identify cancer in its most curable state, lowering mortality rates and reducing costs of treatment.

Early detection may also mean less therapy and less time spent recovering.

At the University of Chicago, a comprehensive range of approaches to detect and treat cancer, even in its earliest stages, is available.