Our Stories
A Walk Down Memory Lane: May Edition
In 2005 Abreast In A Boat celebrated their 10 year anniversary. They invited breast cancer survivors from around the world to join them for a wonderful weekend of camaraderie, merriment and, of course, dragon boat racing.
A Walk Down Memory Lane: April Edition
Ten years ago Abreast In A Boat (AIAB) paddlers Sandy Smith, Sharon Eakins, Jane Frost and I went to Toronto to participate in the 2001 Dragons Abreast Festival and Conference. Sharon and I attended an important workshop on remembering those whom we have lost to breast cancer. It was led by Doug Graydon, an Anglican priest who had worked with HIV/AIDS patients. We came home thinking what could we do to remember paddlers we had lost?
Quebec City Speech
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 1996, my first reaction was one of terror and panic. I remember thinking that anyone who I had known with cancer, family members and friends had all died. No one in my family spoke about cancer openly. Then, as I was quickly thrown into the treatment phase, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, it seemed that as long as something was being done, I would likely be “OK”. My expectation was that I would have a sense of relief and elation when I finished treatment. But instead of relief I felt only fear, agitation and a loss of control.
The Story of the Sandy Smith Global Race
This is what Sandy Smith valued about dragon boating. It wasn’t about winning, it was about participating. It wasn’t about personal success, it was about welcoming women from many backgrounds, ages, and skill levels to share an experience that would enrich their lives, to give breast cancer survivors a sense of direction, purpose, and above all, a sense of living.
The CBCF Run for the Cure
We were blessed with a beautiful sunny day for Abreast In A Boat’s 16th year of participating in the CBCF Run for the Cure. Not only did we take the award for the top Women’s Team raising almost $10,000; more importantly, we proved once again that women who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer can go on to lead active lives.
Internationally Abreast - Roma 2002
Have you heard the saying “All roads lead to Rome”? Well, we never imagined that the rocky road of breast cancer would lead us there! We four represented Abreast in a Boat at the World Club Crew Championships in Rome, Italy. Known as “Internationally Abreast” our team was comprised of women, all breast cancer survivors, from Australia and Canada.
Ten Years Celebration: Crew Bios
Read through the crew bios that were in the Ten Years Abreast Celebration Souvenir Program. They were the welcome and valued guests of Abreast In A Boat.