Back in 2012, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords addressed an EMILY’s List dinner in a pre-recorded video .  

On Tuesday evening, the Arizona Democrat delivered her remarks in person.  

“It’s been a long, hard haul, but I am getting better,” Giffords said to an adoring, riotous crowd. “I am still fighting to make the world a better place.” Giffords listed her various therapies since she was injured in the 2011 Tucson, Ariz., shooting, including physical therapy, speech therapy and yoga.  

“Be passionate. Be courageous. Be your best,” Giffords concluded. “Thank you very much.”  

EMILY’s List backs female Democratic candidates who support abortion rights. Two other Arizona Democrats, Reps. Ann Kirkpatrick and Kyrsten Sinema, introduced Giffords. They were joined by EMILY’s List-backed members from across the country, including Reps. Cheri Bustos of Illinois and Terri Sewell of Alabama, and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire.  

The evening program also honored Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, both Democrats from California, and their combined runs for Senate in 1992, dubbed the “Year of the Woman.”  

Each senator narrated a biographical video honoring the other. Boxer, in her remarks, referred to her tenure in the Senate with Feinstein as “our enduring partnership.”  

She also praised another Californian in attendance, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.  

“Nancy, I love you,” Boxer said. “We’re going to make you the next speaker again.”