Dragons Abreast challenges cancer survivors
Thu 24 August 2006
Amy Taylor, Journalism
Lake Kawana was awash with pink in March 2006, as about 400 breast cancer survivors and supporters gathered to participate in the Sunshine Coast’s first Dragons Abreast Challenge.
An ancient sport that started in China, dragon boat racing is an unconventional form of therapy for breast cancer survivors. It has become popular across the world, connecting thousands of survivors through the Dragons Abreast organisation.
Dragons Abreast Sunshine Coast coordinator Sharon Thomasson was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2001. She said Dragons Abreast aimed to promote good health and helped people realise it was still possible to have an active lifestyle after breast cancer diagnosis.
“We like to think of ourselves as being the ‘face’ of the cause,” she said.
“It’s about raising awareness – people of all ages have breast cancer… but mainly, it’s about having fun.
“It’s amazing having 22 people in a boat, working together as a team. It’s such a friendly atmosphere and a very sharing sport.
Anyone can do it – age, sex or fitness level – it doesn’t matter… we have one lady in our team who is 76.”
Ms Thomasson said one of the key benefits of being involved in Dragons Abreast was it allowed her to form connections with women from all over Australia.
“I know I could go anywhere in Australia and paddle with any team and feel welcomed. It’s just opened up a huge avenue for me,” she said.
“It’s not like a normal support group… it doesn’t bring you down the way some groups do.”
The Sunshine Coast team currently has 54 members. They train twice a week in their recently donated boat – Tittytittybangbang.
Breast cancer survivor Carol Arnold participated in the Dragons Abreast Challenge at Lake Kawana and said it was an achievement in itself just to attend the event.
“Eighteen months ago I didn’t know what a dragon boat was… the feeling is just overwhelming, to be here sharing this moment with others. It’s just awesome to be alive,” she said.
Tears, smiles and laughter all marked the struggles of these courageous women – but most touching was their enthusiasm for life.
“It’s such a moving and emotional day. I joined eighteen months ago, though I was diagnosed with cancer eight years ago,” Ms Arnold said.
“I tried to go it alone after my diagnosis for such a long time… but being involved in Dragons Abreast has been such an uplifting experience. It has given me some closure. Everyone (in the group) is always there for you. You’re not alone.”
Next year Lake Kawana will host the Abreast in Australia 2007 – Dragon Boat Regatta. The regatta will be a celebration of life and over 2000 breast cancer survivors from across the world are expected to attend.
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This story has really interesting content. It is informative and raises awareness of a topic important to a lot of women. The headline catches the eye and the image is relevant too.
Emma Cheney