For two decades, a group of breast cancer survivors in 麻豆精选 have stuck together and shared their love for dragon boat paddling, while spreading breast cancer awareness.
The 38 member breast cancer padding team 鈥淏ust 鈥楴 Loose鈥�, participates in dragon boat festivals each year to continue the fight against breast cancer.
In the 20 years, team members have raised $31,000 for the B.C. Cancer Foundation to help drive local breast cancer research and care.
READ MORE: Dragon boaters celebrate launch of 麻豆精选鈥檚 paddle trail
The president of the 麻豆精选 Breast Cancer Paddling Team Lynne Heidt heard of the paddling team before she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 at the age of 58 and after becoming breast cancer-free, she was then diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2018.
Cancer didn鈥檛 slow down Heidt, when she was well enough she jumped on board and joined the team.
鈥淎s soon as it was physically possible, I joined the team,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been fortunate to enjoy the camaraderie, fitness, and fun for 11 years since.鈥�
The team has made its way around the world competing internationally鈥攊ncluding in Germany, Italy, and Australia.
鈥淲e strive to support breast cancer research and care and are very proud to have been so successful in our fundraising efforts,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also allowed us to create awareness in our community and abroad as well.鈥�
READ MORE: Three in a row for Dragon In The Drink
Lynne said the group is always seeking breast cancer survivors to join the team.
鈥淥ur goal is to inspire people diagnosed with breast cancer to live each day to the fullest and send a positive message that they can continue to grow stronger while having fun,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e want survivors to benefit from the support of this team and celebrate a future without breast cancer with us.鈥�
The ladies will be paddling in the 麻豆精选 Dragon Boat Festival on August 24th.
@LarynGilmour
laryn.gilmour@blackpress.ca
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