While each person has a unique story, there’s a thread that ties the Abreast With FORTitude paddlers together.
They’re all breast cancer survivors.
Fort Langley-based Abreast With FORTitude is one of six crews of Abreast In A Boat (www.abreastinaboat.com), the world’s first breast cancer Dragonboat team.
Abreast in a Boat started as an experiment in 1996 by Dr. Don McKenzie of UBC to quash the theory that women who had undergone breast cancer surgery should not do rigorous upper body exercise.
McKenzie’s idea has come a long way, and inspired a lot of people over 21 years. Since its inception, Abreast In A Boat has spawned more than 150 breast cancer teams worldwide — and counting.
Now Abreast With FORTitude, part of the Fort Langley Canoe Club, is hoping to add more survivors to its Dragonboat crew. No experience is necessary.
“We want to spread the word that you can live a healthy, active life after breast cancer,” team member Karen Salloch said.
“We are looking for paddlers for next year.”
Salloch said being part of this crew is “something very special.”
“We are not only about paddling. We are fellow survivors, paddling to keep active, increase health, have fun and support each other.
“We are there for each other both on and off the water,” she said.
“It is amazing to watch novices each year as they learn to paddle, gain confidence in their health, and feel joy after a good practice on the river.”
Salloch, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and underwent a double mastectomy the same year, says Abreast With FORTitude has lifted her up physically and emotionally, since joining the crew four years ago.
“My husband says this is the best decision I ever made, to join this team,” Salloch said, “because everybody knows what you’ve been through. There are other people on the boat who have had recurrences, or are dealing with it (breast cancer) right now. And for some people it was 20 years ago, or more.”
The team, comprised of survivors ranging in age from their mid-30s to their 70s, paddles along the Bedford Channel on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, usually from late March to early July.
Salloch, 44, is inspired by the older paddlers.
“I was 39 when I started and there were a lot more older ladies on the team at the time, and to see what they were doing, I didn’t feel like I would ever complain about being tired at the end of a practice,” Salloch said with a chuckle.
“It’s hard exercise but it’s fun.”
For the team members, FORTitude not only represents the Fort Langley location where they paddle, but their belief that with grit and determination, breast cancer survivors can live long and healthy lives.
Salloch encourages any breast cancer survivor to try out paddling with the team. “It’s for the fun and the support. The exercise for sure — we’re always showing that you can be healthy and active after breast cancer — but for sure, the support. We call it a floating support group.”
The team often gathers for coffee after a session out on the water on Saturday mornings.
Abreast With FORTitude also competes in regattas, and in April 2014, helped save a man from drowning in the Bedford Channel.
A novice meeting is planned in November where new paddlers can meet current members and coaches, and learn more about paddling with Abreast With FORTitude.
To learn more about Abreast With FORTitude visit www.fortlangleycanoeclub.ca/dragonboat/teams/abreast-with-FORTitude or email Salloch at krsalloch@gmail.com or Neoma Ham at neomahelena@icloud.com.
troy.landreville@blackpress.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter