A group of breast cancer survivors is fundraising to compete alongside 4,500 rowers from 37 countries at an international dragon boat competition in France next year.
Aptly named the Island BreastStrokers, the 28-person team plans to host an afternoon tea in Oak Bay on July 4 and 5 at 2 p.m. to raise money for the transcontinental trip.
The crew, which trains once or twice a week out of VI Paddling's Gorge facility, has travelled far and wide to competitions like the one slated for Aix-les-Bains next August, including those in South Africa, Singapore, Australia, Miami and Florence.
BreastStroker’s president Catriona Campbell explained the group holds a special place among the squads that compete at these events. Founded in 1996, it was the second dragon boat team in the world made up entirely of breast cancer survivors.
“From there, there are hundreds of teams all over the world,” said Campbell.
The group’s formation followed a discovery made by University of British Columbia professor Dr. Donald McKenzie, who found that upper-body exercise helps prevent and control lymphedema, a side-effect of breast cancer treatments, particularly those that result in the damage or removal of lymph nodes or vessels through surgery or radiation.
“Up until that point, breast cancer survivors were not supposed to move their arms – you weren't supposed to do anything,” said Campbell. “It was thought that perhaps that would inflame lymphedema.”
Since then, the BreastStrokers have provided an opportunity for women to get the exercise they need to recover.
“Almost everybody knows somebody who's been affected by breast cancer in one way or another, and we work hard to show that there is a healthy lifestyle after diagnosis,” said Campbell.
The president added that training sessions give women the opportunity to connect with others who have beaten cancer, too.
“The physical part is very important, but in addition, it's the support that you get being part of a team and part of a group that have all had the same experiences and they all have the same goals of living well from here on in,” she said.
Tickets to the fundraising event can be purchased by donation, with a recommended $30 minimum. To reserve a spot, email: islandbreaststrokers@gmail.com.
