This is a story about two women – a mother and her daughter – both leaders, fighters and survivors; 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 as she began her 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 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 joined forces with fellow Port Arthur humanitarian, Father Larry Gutierrez, to form Winners for Life. This small subcommittee within Saint Mary Parish’s Sacred Heart education program had a clear mission: harness the power of sisterhood 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 nonprofit 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 yearround 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 11 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 said. “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.”
Tracey is a successful healthcare administrator, entrepreneur and visionary, who yearns to change the world. In 2013, she established Rilassati Women’s Retreats, a nonprofit providing 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 23rd annual seminar.
“My mother taught me to be a survivor at all costs,” Tracey said. “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 and is resolved to walk in her mother’s footsteps where she, too, will contribute to a future where fewer families face the harsh realities of the disease.
Gift of Life and Winners for Life work in partnership to save lives through education, awareness and early detection in 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 now being navigated through treatment.
Like Winnie and Tracey, these Gift of Life clients also had to hear those lifealtering words. But, through the selfless example of a mother and her daughter, a pathway of hope is illuminated in our community.
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.
Editor’s note: Oct. 26, thousands of supporters converged in downtown Beaumont for the Gift of Life Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run, raising funds to continue the nonprofit’s mission in the Golden Triangle. Photos from the 5K and events leading up to annual run were provided by Gift of Life and Tim Sudela.