by Phyllis Parker
Abreast A River Team Member

Life is a continual adjustment from the moment we first open our eyes and breath air. As we grow we learn what works and what won't. We learn ways to control both ourselves and our environment.

Cancer changes all this. Doctor's offices, clinics and hospitals become part of our lives , and of our families. We might be able to control some of our care and treatment decisions but probably not all. We learn to adjust to the role of cancer patient.

Once surgeries and treatments are finished we often feel apprehension. What do we do now? Where do we turn? The answer for many is a support group. Many support groups world wide are now dragon boat teams. Joining a dragon boat team can mean a big adjustment in lives both for the survivor and for supporting family or friends. For the survivor changing from patient to fit individual can be daunting. For families and friends the survivor's involvement may require a lot of the "former patient's" time and mean less time for them.

Even those of us who have been team members for many years must adjust to changes. There may be health changes which team members must accept. There are also changes to accustomed equipment.

The racing boats now used are more narrow than those we raced in for many years. They feel more "tippy" to us after so many years in wide racers. On the plus side they are lighter and faster. Newer paddles are lighter fiberglass. Some Abreast A River members, who have purchased their own, say these paddles must enter the water in a slightly different spot than the wooden ones. They "chatter" as they are moved back for each stroke if they are too close to the boat. We will have to learn to control them as various members gradually switch over to the "new paddle".

As this column is being prepared for press, team members are preparing for the 2010 Peterborough International Dragon Boat Festival. Teams from Canada, the USA, South Africa, Australia, England and Italy will attend.

The youngest breast cancer survivor in attendance from each county is chosen to present their country's flag at the opening ceremonies in Peterborough Ontario, on Friday June 11th. Our team captain Meredith Roossinck will be presenting the Canadian Flag. She has been told she is also the youngest breast cancer survivor from ALL countries represented.

Abreast A River is so proud of Meredith and all she has done. We are looking forward to a wonderful event.

For further information on Cancer call the Canadian Cancer Society Information Line at 1-888-939-3333