Dragon Boat Team
We’re all in the same boat. Literally and figuratively. The literal boat is a beauty–long and sleek,adorned with a gilded dragon’s head and tail–swift and sturdy. The euphemistic vessel is another story–a hapless abomination. Breast cancer! We all have breast cancer. Ours is a perilous craft!
“We” are “Busting Out” Breast Cancer Action’s dragon boat team. Plucked from diverse age groups,professions,backgrounds and fitness levels we have been plunked in both these boats by the great equalizer cancer.
We have become a team. Seventy strong. Our mission is simple:to raise awareness of this disgusting disease which is systematically robbing us of our friends,our dreams,our futures. In the process we have developed bonds which can never be broken and strength which will serve us well in whatever may lie ahead.
Neophyte athletes,most of us. Propelled by fear and hope and desperation .Pushing ourselves beyond limits we thought were possible we challenge the bodies that have betrayed us. We paddle with fury,fired by a unique combination of rage and joy and love. We paddle for ourselves and for our children.We paddle for our friends who have lost the fight.We paddle for Nicole and Carol and Linda and Norma……
Ours is not a somber team however. Raucous laughter whirls around us as we practice on the Rideau River. Lusty singing draws attention to the women in the fuchsia shirts,many breastless or lopsided like Amazon warriors. We twist. We shout.
We have finished our tenth season. Travel has become an important part of our agenda. Competing in festivals far and wide has fueled our latent competitiveness. We will win the race. We will win the battle! more info >>
“I had read about the survivor dragon boat teams before my initial diagnosis, but never imagined that it would be for me. With the wonderful support of the team members and the fabulous coaching we’ve been fortunate to receive, I’ve learned a new skill, joined a wonderful team, and feel privileged to be part of a worldwide movement helping breast cancer survivors enjoy better health and improved fitness. This is just about the most fun thing I’ve ever done in my life, and even after just one season (and only part of a season at that) I miss being on the water and can’t wait for spring!” Dragon Boat member
For more information please visit www.bustingout.ca.
