Successful Life Journey Benefits Others

How a Battle with Cancer and a Commitment to Healthcare Motivated a Major Gift

A Prediction Comes True
In 2017, Peggy Skudera wondered what lay ahead. After 30 years working in healthcare, she had been laid off. Bravely, she sold her home in Jersey Shore and moved south to Little River, South Carolina.

Peggy drove by McLeod Health Seacoast regularly and every time, the thought entered her mind ‘I will work there someday. I will be the Volunteer Manager.’

The following year, Peggy was hired at McLeod Health Seacoast. A few years later, true to her predictions, she became the Volunteer Manager. Peggy worked diligently and rapidly increased the number of volunteers at McLeod Health Seacoast from 41 to 275, greatly benefiting patients and families.

A Frightening Diagnosis Seven years after relocating, at the age of 70, Peggy’s wonderful success was tested when she received a breast cancer diagnosis. After pulling herself out of a “deep black hole,” she began her fight. She underwent a lumpectomy, six weeks of radiation, and started a hormone blocker.

Peggy only missed one day of work, the day she had her surgery.

“I beat cancer by surrounding myself with the most positive people and because of the amazing physicians and staff who took care of me.”

Surviving With An Even Stronger Commitment To Health
Peggy’s cancer journey taught her some tough lessons about the state of cancer care in the region. With radiation only available in Myrtle Beach or Florence, Peggy had to drive long distances every day for treatment. She also noticed how others with cancer, including some of her own volunteers, faced even more difficult journeys.

These lessons motivated Peggy to make a generous commitment to the Hope and Healing Campaign supporting the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research on the campus of McLeod Health Seacoast.

“I am invested in the new Cancer Center because of my story,” Peggy explains. “I want people to understand the importance of staying healthy and living longer.”