The anticipation of launching the dragon boat
The lovingly hand-planed piece of mahogany is the keel of the boat. It runs the entire length from bow to stern and gives the boat its strength and stability. "We all decided we would etch our names in the keel so that they will be there forevermore for people to see – but mostly for ourselves," says Julie.
Their boat became more than just a piece of wood. "I think the positive of building the boat is being together with so many breast cancer survivors," says Sylvia. "We are not thinking about our chronic illness. We're having fun and we are experiencing another new challenge in our life, and that is what life is all about. This boat means there is life beyond cancer."
On your marks, get set...
This month the Avalon Dragon builders will gather to launch their boat. But some of the team have been thinking for months about the day their creation first hits the water. "I will take a breath," says Jane as tears well up in her eyes. "I will think of family who have rowed, and I will think this is wonderful."
Will this boat have heart? Ask lead hand Bruce, who has built many boats in his career. "Nobody touches these boat builders, not a chance," he says with pride. "This is an unbelievably nice group of hearts to be working with."
And these seasoned boat builders have no doubt that their vessel is going to float in the water as if it were magic and had wings. How could it not? It was built with such heart and soul, and tender loving care.
Dragon racers across Canada
In 1996 the first survivor dragon boat team was named Abreast in a Boat. Today there are dozens of breast cancer teams across Canada with names as different as the regions of Canada they hail from. Some are geographical, like Abreast in the Rockies, NorthBreast Passage and Cape Breastoners. Some crack you up, like Chemo Savvy, Breast Buddies and 'tit Bateau. Some names inspire, such as Hope Afloat, Paddling for Life and Warriors of Hope. The team names may be different, but one thing is for sure: these women are all in the same boat together. They are alive and living each moment to its fullest.
Find inspiration from more outstanding women with Shared Stories and Personal Growth from our Life & Balance section.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- What we do for our kids and ourselves
- Essay: Needlework with Nana
- Can the MS battle be won?
Page 3 of 3
