Catherine Duncan Peden Education Foundation

The mission of the Catherine Duncan Peden Education Foundation is to meaningfully support and educate fighters, caregivers, and families impacted by ovarian cancer.  We help lift the burden of life’s daily chores  and activities to allow them to FOCUS ON THE FIGHT!

The Foundation, through a network of conscious and caring businesses, non-profits, and individuals, provide practical support services for those fighting cancer and their families, to include:

  • House cleaning

  • Dinner preparation or privision

  • Lawn mowing

  • Clothes washing and folding

  • Massages (neuropathy)

  • Scarves & wigs (chemotherapy)

  • Magazines, ipads, headphones, blankets (chemotherapy & radiation sessions)

  • Child tutoring

About Cathy

Cathy Peden, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, graduated from J.L. Mann High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina.  After educating individuals and families as a drug prevention specialist and then as an HIV/AIDS patient case manager, Cathy wanted to have a broader impact and transitioned careers.

Cathy returned to J.L. Mann in 2007 to teach 9th grade English.  As many educators avoid this transitional year for students, Cathy accepted the challenged and excelled.  In her fourth year, she was appointed Chairperson of the school’s Engligh Department.  She continued to excel and was selected by her peers as the 2012-2013 J.L. Mann Teacher of the Year.

Believing there was still more to do, Cathy founded a summer college, where she exposed and prepared graduating 8th graders for what they would encounter in 9th grade, academically and socially.  Cathy walked neighborhoods to reach parents not sufficiently participating in their child’s educational process.  There was no division between Cathy’s personal and personal time when it came to education.

Seeking to further impact educational policies and practices, Cathy again returned to school and earned her Master of Arts in Administration from Gardner Webb University in December 2013.  That same month, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was forced to take the spring semester off to undergo chemotherapy.  Yet, before completeing chemotherapy, she returned to the classroom and “her babies” for their last week of class.  The next fall, she welcomed them and remained in the classroom while undergoing months of radiation.  Even in sickness, her dedication to educating young people was unmatched.

The South Carolina Legislature recognized Mrs. Peden’s efforts and presented her with Sente Bill 1362, a Resolution in her honor.  She also received the 2015 Spirit of Excellence Award from Providence Ministries, in addition to a Certificate of Honor from the South Carolina Senate.  Posthumously, she was presented an American Flag that was flown over the South Carolina State Capitol in her honor, and a letter of acknowledgement from South Carolina Governor, Nikki R. Haley.  She also received her Master of Arts in Administration from Gardner Webb.

Cathy has three phenomenal children,  Cameron, Seldon II, and Ashdon.

 

“My ultimate goal to be able to reach one person, which will have
the greatest potential of changing a whole generation.”
Cathy Peden

#TheCathyEffect

Fund Administrators

  • Seldon Peden

Donations

By Mail:
Catherine Duncan Peden Foundation
CharitySmith Nonprofit Foundation
13100 Filly Lane | Truckee, CA | 96161

Use credit card by clicking the link below.

The above Memorial Fund is established as a division of Charitysmith Nonprofit Foundation (EIN 87-0636433). All donations are tax deductible in accordance with federal tax law. Receipts for tax purposes are sent via US Mail within two weeks of donation. Please consider asking if your employer participates in a gift-matching program. If so, your donation may be matched by your employer.

For questions regarding your donation or this memorial fund please contact CharitySmith.

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