Educators gear up for Relay for Life
By Dennis Kutac REPORTER

MCC/Dennis Kutac Peggy Swafford, a teacher at Woodcrest Elementary and her daughter Chelsi Swafford are gearing up for this year's Relay for Life.

Peggy Swafford, a third grade teacher at Woodcrest Elementary in Port Neches, participated in Relay for Life last year as a volunteer trying to help out.

This year, it's because she's a cancer survivor herself.

But in August, the 55 year-old educator was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer.

Now as the staff at Woodcrest organizes a Relay for Life team for a second year, all agree that cancer is something that has touched everyone's lives in some way.

Sharon Woodle, the school's counselor, said her son Robby Woodle is a five-year cancer survivor. Belinda Mitchell, a resource teacher, said she has a brother-in-law who overcame throat and tongue cancer within a year of his diagnosis. Teresa Burnett, the school's nurse, said she has 16 year-old niece who is a cancer survivor. Janis Williams, a second grade teacher has been cancer free for 10 years.

Relay for Life is an event of the American Cancer Society that get communities involved in the fight against cancer.

Burnett said this year the team they are organizing is being name in honor of Swafford.

"Last year our team was called the "Red Hot Chili Steppers" and this year we decided to call ourselves "Peggy's Peeps," she said.

Burnett said Swafford had been out since December and had just returned back to work last week.

"We're glad she's back. The faculty, staff and students all missed her," Burnett said.

Swafford said while this slow growing cancer is treatable, at this time there is no cure for it.

She added that she began taking treatment for her cancer about three weeks ago, which has mostly been with medication.

"It's a challenging time in my life, but after a trip to MD Anderson you realize that people do survive from this. I'm hopeful and I'm fearful, but positive thinking is one of the most important things you have to do," Swafford said.

"Stress is not good for this type of cancer so I'm doing everything I can. It's a rollercoaster of emotions for me, but I am real blessed to realize how many people are supporting me right now."

That would include her daughter Chelsi, a student at Texas State University in San Marcos, who is serving as the captain and chairwoman of the Peggy's Peeps this year.

Chelsi Swafford, who is also participating in Relay For Life in San Marcos, said taking part in the Relay For Life of Mid and South Jefferson County is special to her because of what her mother is going through.

"It's good to see everyone pulling together to do this," she said.

That would include Swafford's parents, sister and sister in-law who have also joined this year's team.

Swafford, who by nature tries to add a touch of humor to any situation that comes along, says she is not holding back now.

"Laughter is the best medicine," she said.

Burnett said last year their goal was $5,000 and had raised $5,000.25.

Chelsi Swafford added that the goal this year is $8,000 and so far they have around 33 team members.

Relay For Life of Mid and South Jefferson County will be at Nederland's Bulldog Stadium April 25 beginning at 6 p.m.