Eagles for Life raises $30,000 to support students, cancer community
At 93, Lena Linton has spent more than four decades as a breast cancer survivor. Her daughter, Peggy Keller, is a three-year survivor of the same disease. On Sept. 26, the two women joined five generations of their family at Meridian Community College's first Eagles for Life event to celebrate hope, strength and survival.
Their story reflects the purpose behind Eagles for Life: A Night of Hope and Remembrance, which raised $30,000 in its first year. The proceeds will establish a permanent endowed scholarship for MCC students affected by cancer, with $5,000 designated to support a local cancer center.
“What makes this event so special is knowing that its impact will last far beyond one night,” said Phyllis Holladay, Eagles for Life committee chair. “We came together to honor those affected by cancer, and now we can turn that support into something lasting.”
For Linton, the fight against cancer began 41 years ago. She continued working full time at Walmart while undergoing nine treatments over 11 months, missing only one scheduled day of work.
She credits her faith and medical care for helping her through the disease. Her advice to others facing cancer is to see a doctor right away and keep up with regular checkups.
Decades later, Keller faced her own breast cancer diagnosis. She said advances in treatment made her experience different from her mother's, but family remained an important part of her recovery.
One of Keller's great-grandchildren was born between her surgery and first treatment, giving her added motivation during a difficult time.
"She gave me a reason to live," Keller said.
For Keller, having five generations of her family together at Eagles for Life made the evening especially meaningful.
Nearly 300 people attended the event at MCC's soccer field and track, including cancer survivors, caregivers, students, employees and community supporters. With the theme "Hope Takes Flight," the evening celebrated survivors, honored those fighting cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.
Eagles for Life builds on MCC's Race for Life and Street Strut for Breast Cancer traditions, expanding the focus to include all types of cancer.
The scholarship will benefit MCC students who have faced cancer or have a parent or guardian who has faced the disease.
The event was organized by an MCC committee consisting of Holladay, Dr. Leia Hill, Crystal Sterling, Brandy Hill and Veronica Fox, with support from sponsors, volunteers, donors and the college community.
For families like Linton's and Keller's, Eagles for Life offered a chance to celebrate survival and the people who supported them along the way. For MCC, the event's success will help extend that same support to students and families for generations to come.
2026 Eagles for Life
Eagles for Life exists to celebrate survivors, recognize every fighter, remember every loved one, and provide hope and financial support to Meridian Community College students, families and community members impacted by cancer.