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By: Holli Petersen

Special to The News

This is a story about two women – a mother and her daughter – both of them leaders, fighters, and survivors; and this is also a story about a community transformed by their love.

Dr. Winifred “Winnie” Frelow

When Maya Angelou said that “Each time a woman stands up for herself – she stands up for all women,” she might as well have been talking about the late Dr. Winifred “Winnie” Frelow. Growing up in Port Arthur, Winnie was raised with the belief that education is power. That simple lesson proved fortuitous. She began her influential career as one of the first African American teachers at Thomas Jefferson High School and rose through the ranks to become an assistant principal, a principal, and finally, the Port Arthur Independent School District’s Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.

In 2001, Winnie’s well-charted course took an unexpected detour with four small words – “You have breast cancer.” Such momentous words would make anyone crumble in despair. But, not Winnie. She felt emboldened by a new mission. She decided to stand up to breast cancer and to keep standing up even when her battle was won. Winnie would not rest while others suffered.

In 2003, Winnie’s compassionate fervor found its focus when she joined forces with fellow Port Arthur humanitarian, Father Larry Gutierrez, to form Winners for Life. From humble beginnings, this small subcommittee within Saint Mary Parish’s Sacred Heart education program, had a clear mission: harness the power of sisterhood to take a stand against breast cancer in Port Arthur. Unsurprisingly, Winners for Life flourished under Winnie’s direction.

“We called my mom the Sheriff,” her daughter, Tracey Young, recalls. “She had the leadership skills to keep everything in order, but always in a loving way. She was a strong, professional, fearless woman who loved sharing her tools for success.”

As chairperson, Winnie built Winners for Life into a large non-profit organization with a committee of more than 50 members representing several religious denominations. Each year, the group hosts a luncheon and seminar for 250 individuals with a focus on uplifting Port Arthur women with hope, empowerment, and love. Additionally, members dedicate their time to raise funds for Gift of Life’s breast health initiatives through year-round grassroots endeavors.

Winnie’s commitment to Winners for Life never wavered, even when cancer interrupted her plans once more. But pancreatic cancer could not slow this tireless leader down. She valiantly continued serving until 2013, when she ultimately succumbed to the disease. At the time of her passing, Winnie had directed eleven Winners for Life community seminars and raised more than $35,000 for Gift of Life’s vital breast health services.

Tracey Young

They say that a daughter is the brightest jewel on a mother’s crown, and Tracey Young embodies that truth with a brilliant spirit that shines from her luminous eyes. She inherited her mother’s beauty, thirst for knowledge, tender heart, and, most importantly, her fervent drive to be an advocate for women.

“My mother led by example how to live a life of service,” she says. “She taught me that our work is never done! Though I dearly miss my beautiful mother, I will continue to walk in the lessons she taught me.”

Perpetuating her mother’s legacy, Tracey is a highly successful healthcare administrator, entrepreneur, and visionary who yearns to change the world. In 2013, she established Rilassati Women’s Retreats, a non-profit organization that provides health and wellness education, support, and encouragement to local women, particularly in relation to breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes. Rilassati also sustains Winners for Life as one of its flagship initiatives, working to raise thousands of dollars for medically underserved Southeast Texas women. The group is currently preparing for its 23^rd Annual Seminar.

Like her mother, Tracey is also in the business of building survivorship.

“My mother taught me to be a survivor at all costs,” Tracey says. “I didn’t know how much I would have to lean on her words until I received my own diagnosis of cancer.”

A woman raised to fight for others, Tracey is now fighting a two-year battle against neuroendocrine cancer – a triumphant testament to the resilience Winnie passed down to her. She also refuses to concede any ground to cancer – in her own life and in her advocacy for other women. She is resolved to walk in her mother’s footsteps, and insists that she too will contribute to a future where fewer families must face the harsh realities of the disease.

Gift of Life and Winners for Life work in partnership with a shared vision to save lives through education, awareness, and early detection. This tremendous effort spans seven Southeast Texas counties, providing essential breast cancer screenings for women who would otherwise go without. This year alone, Gift of Life has diagnosed 19 women with breast cancer, all of whom are being navigated through treatment.

Like Winnie and Tracey, these Gift of Life clients also had to hear those life-altering words. But, through the selfless example of a mother and her daughter, a pathway of hope is illuminated in our community. Their empowering stories inspire courage and remind us that nothing can stop strong women who stand united in love.

Fortunately, Southeast Texas has an abundance of powerful, caring women. In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Gift of Life echoes their stories. May we always remember them, honor them, and stand up for them. Because, like them, we will never concede to cancer.