by Phyllis Parker
Abreast A River Team Member

Readers of this column probably recall mention of the small donation basket in the center of our refreshment table. It was the source of money for tea and coffee supplies served at the end of each monthly Women Alike meeting.

When our dragon boat program began we received fairly generous donations to carry out our group objectives. It became necessary to spend wisely and keep accurate records. We carefully organized our dragon boat program. All our expenditures are audited yearly.

We then began helping breast cancer patients who had inadequate or non-existent medical plans. We gave continually, and still do, toward Breast Cancer Research. Our list widened as we made donations to The Lodge That Gives, Halifax, The Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Society, after that the new Palliative Care Unit. There are also a variey of other breast cancer projects and concerns we assist .

Our first venture into purchase of equipment for the Aberdeen Hospital came about through the loss of one of our dragon boat team members. We learned how much an Oxygen Concentrator was needed and purchased one in her memory. This machine assists seriously ill patients requiring an increased oxygen supply to remain in their own home longer.

After that we began thinking of other areas of need. Questions were asked and we discovered items which the hospital budget was unable to meet. We obtained more information and discussed our options. Final decisions were made within our group by vote of the members. This voting procedure is always followed.

Money was spent on Sentinal Node Biopsy and Core Biopsy And Spot Imaging Equipment. We always try to consider what is the best use of our funds in our ongoing struggle against cancer. What we do helps breast cancer patients, but often others as well.

A recent purchase of medical equipment, needed at the Aberdeen Hospital, was a joint venture between the Women Alike Breast Cancer Survivors Society, The Pictou County Prostate Cancer Support Association and the Aberdeen Hospital. This LOGIQ E9 Ultrasound Machine provides a more accurate biopsy because of the detailed images it produces. This limits the necessity to repeat biopsies. Procedure time is also reduced which is important to both patients and staff.

We have always kept in mind that our dragon boat and the awareness it creates is very important. People know the dragon boat - it sparks their interest when they watch it being paddled on the East River. They want to be involved and support Women Alike programs.

Our donation basket still sits in the center of the refreshment table each month. It provides the coffee and tea for our social period and there is food brought by members - often asparagus sandwiches from Helen, cookies from Vera, maybe fudge from Sylvia.

When our dragon boat entered the water in 1999 we couldn't imagine the many ways it would benefit everyone in our race against breast cancer.

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