San Diegan Peggy Walkush, is a survivor of breast cancer, a cancer research fundraiser extraordinaire and the first lesbian (honorary) captain of the San Diego Chargers during a recent game, as part of the NFL’s breast cancer awareness campaign called “A Crucial Catch.”
“Being honorary team captain of the San Diego Chargers … was a thrilling experience,” Walkush says. “I have a tremendous respect for professional athletes and the physical and mental toughness required for them to succeed.”
Having recently completed a four-mile walk for the American Cancer Society, raising $10,000, Walkush sees a link between her life and the on-field life of NFL players.
“Going through breast cancer treatment poses its own physical and mental challenges, so perhaps there is a connection in that regard,” says Walkush. “The energy on the field was overwhelming and filled me with emotion as the Chargers came through the tunnel and the 30 of us breast cancer survivors stood alongside the players for the national anthem.”
According to Walkush, the visibility of 30 breast cancer survivors appearing on the field of an NFL game presents a high-impact image and makes a powerful statement.
“It raises awareness for men and women everywhere that breast cancer is more common than we think and that raising money brings better treatments and ultimately a cure – support of organizations like the American Cancer Society is vital. And it reminds women going through treatment that they are not alone.”
She knew some of the breast cancer survivors who participated with her on the field, some of whom are currently undergoing chemotherapy.
“I thought about them and how weak I felt during chemo, as we spent eight hours on a very hot day at (Qualcomm) stadium. I know it was a struggle for some of them to be there given their physical condition but I didn’t hear one complaint. So just like football players, breast cancer survivors are tough cookies!”
Exactly how does it feel to win the title of San Diego Chargers honorary captain? According to Walkush, not bad at all.
“Having the Chargers select me as team captain and donate $2,500 to put me over my goal had me turning cart wheels …”
The achievement, however, didn’t happen overnight. Peggy Walkush has been involved with the American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for about 10 years. In fact, some years she has raised several thousand dollars.
“But this year I decided to set an audacious goal of raising $10,000.” Walkush told San Diego LGBT Weekly. “And then, in order to engage my friends and family in helping me reach my goal, I offered to jump in a pool of Jell-O if I made it. This set the ball rolling and some friends donated multiple times as I got closer to my goal.”
In addition to a sense of accomplishment, the prestige of being an NFL captain (honorary or otherwise), and helping people dealing with a disease with which she is intimately familiar, Walkush takes away what can only be described as an invaluable lesson.
“It taught me that anything is possible if you want it bad enough,” she said. “If you put your goal out there, and commit to reaching it, people will jump on board to help you get there.”
