Hope For The Future: A Survivor Gives Back

By Leslie Mikell

Peggy Skudera’s life seemed perfect in every sense – a loving family and partner, a home on the scenic South Carolina coast, and a fulfilling job. That is, until she received a devastating diagnosis of breast cancer.

The news came as a shock and left Peggy in a “deep black hole.”

“My first thoughts were, how am I going to tell my children, how am I going to tell my partner, Kevin, and why me?”

A native of Jersey Shore, Peggy relocated to Little River, South Carolina, seven years ago, after three decades in a healthcare career. Peggy bravely stepped into this new chapter of life with hope and possibility.

Peggy drove by McLeod Health Seacoast regularly, and every time, she thought to herself, ‘I will work there someday as the Volunteer Manager.

The following year, Peggy was hired at McLeod Health Seacoast. A few years later, true to her prediction, 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.

In 2024, at the age of 70, Peggy received the news that she had breast cancer.

Thankfully, she was seen quickly for an ultrasound and biopsy, and soon after, she met with a McLeod breast surgeon. She underwent a lumpectomy, six weeks of daily radiation, and started a hormone blocker.

Peggy only missed one day of work - the day she had 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.”

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.

This 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 annual mammograms and have access to early detection. Now, women can receive the excellent McLeod cancer care they need, from diagnosis to treatment, right here in Little River.”