michele

Michele Peters and her sister Natalie began working with Goals for Life, Inc., as volunteer coordinators in 2004. Michele did not participate in the games, but enjoyed watching them just the same. She appreciated the camaraderie of the women who played, reveled in the different shapes, sizes, and colors of all the women who came out early on Saturday mornings to play soccer for such a worthy cause. She also enjoyed using her natural people skills when encouraging players and spectators to buy the tournament’s annual t-shirt and other paraphernalia.

A daughter, sister, mother, and friend, Michele enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, never passing on the occasion to host a huge backyard barbeque. She actively supported her son LaMarr, as well as her nieces and nephews and their friends, in their many sporting activities; no matter what the weather, she was there cheering them on loud and strong.

In October 2003, shortly after her 40th birthday, Michele was initially diagnosed with breast cancer. Following her doctor’s advice she underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She never once asked why me? A “pity party” was not on her agenda. Michele diligently kept each doctor’s appointment and followed her doctor’s advice to the letter. She was declared cancer free seven months later. Michele returned to a full productive life of work and relocating to South Jersey to provide a better atmosphere for herself and her family. She put all of her energy into her family and decorating her new home, thanking God each day for the new beginning in her life. The cancer remained in remission until October 2005.

Breast cancer, which tried to dampen her spirit two years earlier returned and metastasized to her lungs and to her liver. Each diagnosis made Michele more determined than ever to live each day to the fullest. The outer signs of illness showed; weight and hair loss, but the sound of her voice was as strong as ever, the twinkle in her eyes was as bright as ever and the laughter in her voice was as happy as ever. Michele continued to follow the advice of her doctors and again underwent chemotherapy. Michele lost her battle with breast cancer on September 20, 2006.

Her immediate family members, son LaMarr Robinson, parents Milton and Gloria Peters, sister Natalie Pitts and brother Michael Peters and wife Kimberly, would like to thank Goals for Life, Inc., for remembering Michele’s spirit and playing the 7th annual tournament in her memory. She would simply bask in the glow of the attention given to her. We all hope that Michele’s fun, loving, and selfless spirit will encourage both young and old to continue to support this worthy cause. The donation of tournament proceeds to benefit two breast cancer charities: CORES (from Columbus Hospital in Newark) and Casting for Recovery is a very worthwhile endeavor and provides an invaluable service to the underserved community. Early detection is the key to conquering breast cancer.