I’d like to share with you what being with a great group of people on a dragon boat has meant for me. More than 8 years ago, my friend Patrice said she had something we should check out: dragon boating with a group of breast cancer survivors and supporters. I had gone through breast cancer 11 years prior to this, and the idea of being with people who shared my journey sounded pretty good.
I had no idea what a dragon boat was, or if my shoulder issues would handle it, but I decided to go for it. Nervous? Yes I was. But what a day it turned out to be, with the ocean breeze, view of Morro Rock, and this group of friendly people; so I joined Patrice with being ALL IN!
Fast forward a year. I lost my son Travis, who was only 34 years old. I dropped out of life, depression set in, and just getting out of bed was unbearable. After a year, Patrice convinced me to try dragon boating again; the group organized a memorial paddle out to Morro Rock. As I loaded onto the boat, I could feel the encouragement and support. I felt just a little bit of hope, that maybe I could come back from this devastating loss.
Today, years later, I am still getting on the boat, looking out at the beautiful ocean, seeing the birds, sea lions, otters; and I can breathe again. I encourage anyone who is thinking about trying dragon boating: sign up as a guest, give it a try, and join this supportive group of paddlers, the SurviveOars!
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