Nathan Key

They may be rivals in athletics or any other kind of competition, but Hibriten and South Caldwell high schools have found a common bond to unite them as one. That bond is the Peake Family, as in the wife and children of South Caldwell Principal Mike Peake.

Students at Hibriten developed an idea to show their support and encouragement of Peake's wife, Catherine, and her battle with breast cancer. Recognizing that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and that the color pink is used prominently in association with the disease, Hibriten's students approached Principal Lewis Wright and faculty members at the school about becoming "pink partners" when the schools play in football Friday at Jeff Storie Memorial Stadium in Lenoir.

"This came from our students," Wright said. "They have a real compassion for people who are struggling, and they had gotten word that Mrs. Peake was not doing well, and her prognosis was not positive. They just wanted to do something to lift the family up."

Noting that the word "Pink" and the name "Peake" sound a lot alike, students decided to have a fundraiser called "Peake Panther" and sell T-shirts to raise funds to benefit the Peakes and their children, both 4 years old and younger. The Hibriten family will support the South Caldwell family by selling the T-shirts for $5 each in the school's office, with the proceeds being used to benefit the Peakes.

"We think this is a wonderful thing," Mike Peake said. "It's amazing how the communities, churches and schools all have responded. There's been such an outpouring of love and support for us. Catherine has become the face of breast cancer. Everywhere I go, people are asking about her. We're not from here, but people definitely have made us feel like we are.

"It's amazing to me that these students realize there's a common cause to battle cancer and reach out to someone they hardly know."

The T-shirts are pink, and the Breast Cancer Awareness pink ribbon logo, which closely resembles the letter "P," is used to start the words "Peake Panther." Black panther paw prints also adorn the shirts. Students are asking that anyone purchasing the shirts wear them in support of the Peakes and all breast cancer survivors as well as those whose lives have been affected by the disease. Those without the shirts are asked to wear something pink when attending Friday's 7:30 p.m. football game between the Panthers and Spartans.

"Even though we may be competitors on the field, they're our friends, and we care about them," Wright said. "I'm proud of our students. When they see someone in need, they reach out to take care of that need. That's something we ought to be teaching and living. I feel our students are living that by doing this."

Not long ago, athletes at West Caldwell even wore shirts during sporting events that had Catherine Peake's name on them, and students there have sent cards and letters of encouragement and support to the Peakes.

Catherine Peake's breast cancer has been a very aggressive type, spreading to her liver, lungs and shoulder. Despite the Stage 4 cancer, she has remained positive throughout her treatments as she fights the disease.

"She's a fighter," Mike Peake said of his wife. "She's been very positive and upbeat, even on her tough days. She's had such a positive attitude about the whole thing, and I think it's just awesome."

There's more to it for the Peakes, though. While they are another family having to deal with the rigors of a deadly disease, they want others to know where that strength is derived and what they hope to do.

"We realize the Lord has a plan, and we believe in the power of prayer," Mike Peake said. "This is about glorifying God and finding a cure for breast cancer."

Wright and Mike Peake both acknowledged the effect such an act of kindness can and will have.

"This restores my faith in people, in the human race," Wright said. "This shows that we are compassionate by nature, and I have seen that in these students."

Mike Peake added, "Regardless of what happens on the football field, the community is winning by what is being done for my family and the way these students are ministering to us. What a wonderful thing for Caldwell County to have students reaching out in such a way."