Stories
Here are just a few amazing stories from members of the Survivor Rowing Network who have found rowing as a new path forward in their journey to beat cancer. There are many more incredible men and women with stories to be told of how their lives as cancer survivors have benefitted from rowing.
If you have one from your own experience, please feel free to share it with us - it needs to be told.
Amy B - Westport, CT
I was initially diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2015 and after surgery began with the inaugural SRC SurviveOAR program in 2016. In 2018 I had a recurrence which required more surgery as well as chemo and radiation. As scary as that was, going through it with the support and encouragement of my fellow surviveoars was a game changer and almost made it feel "easier" than my original go around. I erged and rowed through my treatment and when I couldn't, I rode the launch or sat out. Being surrounded by women who knew what I was going through and knew how and what to say was beyond comforting. Despite being a disparate group of women, the bonds forged through this program have been life changing.
Lori B - Fairfield, CT
After two breast cancer diagnoses, one of which led to a medically induced coma for 54 days, I needed a community of support that understood what I had been through and an outlet for my mental health. Insert the SurvivOARs - a group of ladies who always have my back, a new sport that has become my biggest passion, and a community that helps me understand why I was given a second chance at life.
Shari L. - Sacramento, CA
“You’ve got cancer”. Having rowed for 10 years, one of my first questions after hearing those shocking words was, “… will I ever be able to row again?” On August 16, 2021, I underwent surgery for lung cancer. On August 16, 2023, I attended the kick-off meeting of the coaches and rowers invited to represent the Survivor Rowing Network at the Head of the Charles. I am forever grateful to not only be rowing again, but to be part of this amazing community.
Victoria M. - Wilton, CT
I was diagnosed with breast cancer 7 years ago. After enduring a year of chemo, surgery and radiation I was introduced to rowing when our local breast cancer center and rowing club teamed up in an effort to add a new fitness opportunity for their patients. Rowing has given me so much - community, friends and fitness - I’m in the best shape of my life!
Dee M. - Alexandria, VA
In July of 2015 I was supposed to have participated in a learn to row program with the City of Alexandria, Va. However in June of 2015, I was diagnosed with Stage 2B bilateral breast cancer and over the next year underwent: chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy, and reconstruction surgery. In May of 2016 I discovered WeCanRow DC's learn to row program and I was hooked from there. As a former Division I athlete, my identity was so wrapped up in my body and what it was able to do; I was scared and a complete mental and emotional mess. I thought cancer had taken it all away from me, but far from it.
Sharon P. - Cortlandt Manor, NY
My cancer has fortunately, been 20 years in the past, when I had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal, having had a small tumor identified on a mammogram. At every annual mammogram, I still hold my breath! I am proud and honored to be a part of this team to help promote prevention, early detection and support.
I came to rowing, not related to my cancer, but to improve fitness and enjoy the water.
Mary O. - Cortlandt, NY
I had endometrial cancer May 2019 and recovered through treatments. Currently fighting colon cancer with aggressive and frequent screenings. On leave from work I found CCRA at one of their Learn to Row events. The rowing community is special, but Cortlandt Community Rowing Association is a godsend. Now I’m finding my way back to better health one stroke at a time.
Christine R. - Alexandria, VA
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the Fall of 2006. During treatments the following Spring I saw flyers about We Can Row DC, and said when I am healed (and get the courage) I am going to try this! I had never been involved with organized sports, only being a gym rat and living an active life. My Novice season was 2011 and I haven't looked back. Still rowing and competing as life (and opportunity) allows and am very grateful to be a part of this team.
Sue R. - Stamford, CT
Shortly after a routine mammogram and ultrasound, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and underwent a year of surgery, intense chemo, and radiation treatments. Wanting to put that dreadful experience behind me and having no experience with rowing, I was initially reluctant to join the SurviveOAR group – boy, am I glad I did! The camaraderie and motivation to continuously improve our health has been life changing. I have been cancer free for 9 years and will always be grateful for all that this team has given me.
Holly S. - Wilton, CT
In 2015 my world changed when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Up to that point my lifestyle was sedentary, but as part of my recovery program, I discovered the Learn-to-Row program offered through my hospital at the Saugatuck Rowing Club. My daughter was a rower in high school so I decided to surprise my family by attempting to learn to row. It forever changed my life as I became stronger, met life-long supportive teammates in the program, and truly focused on my well-being. Rowing provides an empowering experience, and covers all the bases… physical, mental, emotional and social. These components, along with the bonds we make are a large part of our healing regimen. I am so grateful to be part of the Survivor Rowing Network to inspire others on their journey to thriving after their diagnoses. I have been cancer free for eight years and am in better health than before the cancer.
Lisa O. - Westport, CT
During treatment for breast cancer I was in the office of APRN Mary Heery of Norwalk Hospital and saw a picture of happy joyous women rowing and asked her who they were. She told me of the SuriviveOARS rowing team that practiced out of Saugatuck Rowing Club and the rest is history!! I knew about the sport from watching rowers on the Hudson River while at Culinary School and through my rower husband Frank. I thought it was the coolest sport and hoped to one day be able to try it. Learning to row was the silver lining of my breast cancer experience. I was very shy and nervous the first time I met the team.. The ladies on the team and the coach were all so welcoming, supportive and enthusiastic that I felt comfortable immediately. The community, love and that no matter what support of this team is something that I want every and anyone who has had to deal with cancer to experience. Knowing that there are people waiting for me early in the morning certain days of the week gave me purpose and inspiration when I came off of the cancer journey and trying to piece my life back together after months of being told where I would be and at what time for what treatment. To be rowing with them is such a dream come true. It is my wish to connect with others who are looking for something to help them recover their health, lives and to get real joy back into their lives. I am forever grateful for SurviveOARS Rowing and Survivor Rowing Network and all those who have made this possible.