Shelton resident finds inspiration after cancer
Written by Robin Walluck, Herald Staff
Friday, 03 February 2012 16:03
An accidental kick to the chest by Peggy Camp’s youngest child, while they were playing, may have led to an earlier diagnosis of her cancer. Now cancer-free, she works to celebrate cancer survivors and patients at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
For the past four years she has taken part with her teammates — mostly family members — “The Misfits.” She joined Relay the first time it came around after her diagnosis. Relay for Life is an annual overnight event to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs at the cancer society. This year the Shelton Relay for Life has grown to be the Shelton/Naugatuck Valley Relay for Life, encompassing surrounding cities. It’s slated for June 2-3.“It brings awareness … that more and more people are being diagnosed with cancer,” Camp said of the Relay. “I think it’s very important to honor the survivors and those who have passed.”
She became a cancer patient about three and a half years ago.
Camp was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2008. “Then I had a recurrence in the same breast in November ’09,” said Camp.
She, her husband and their children were “wrestling” one day in 2008, and her then 3-year-old son, Dylan, flipped and kicked her in her breast.
It hurt a little too much. It continued to be painful for a while, and then a lump appeared.
“I wasn’t due for my first mammogram until that October,” said Camp, 44. “I kind of thought it was from when he hit me. I never dreamed what it was.”
She had a mastectomy. After her surgery she was still in pain, but that was initially written off as being from the implant. In August 2009, the implant was removed, and doctors discovered an unhappy surprise.
The cancer was still there. Camp said her new surgeon said the first surgeon probably did not get all of the cancer out. So technically it was a recurrence of the cancer, but it was probably not a new growth.
“That time I went through chemotherapy and radiation,” said Camp. She then had a hysterectomy in July 2010. Since then, she’s been healthy.
She takes part in the Relay for Life with The Misfits. The team includes her sister and nephew as well as her husband, Jeff, and their kids, Dylan, Morgan, Jake, and Tyler.
During the relay, teams set up booths. Previously, The Misfits have had a dunk tank and have sold hot dogs. She’s not sure what will be in store this year.
“Whether it is a friend, family member, the neighbor down the street, or our own personal experience, we have all been touched by cancer in some way,” Camp wrote in a letter requesting donations to the Relay. “We all have the power to make a difference in the fight against cancer. That’s why I have chosen to fight back right here in our community by participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.”
The Shelton and Naugatuck Valley Relay for Life kick-off event is next Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 7:45-8:45 p.m. at the Shelton Community Center, 41 Church Street. The theme of the event this year is Cirque-du Relay; participants may attend the event dressed in circus attire. Night includes meeting committee members, team captains and members. There will be games, desserts, prizes and more. To help out with Relay for Life, email Kristen Ostrowski at kristenostrowski@yahoo.com.
To donate to The Misfits or another team, go online to acs.org/site and look up the Shelton Relay for Life.
Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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