THREE determined breast cancer survivors from the Redlands Sea Dragons are preparing to take on the famous Vogalonga paddling event in Venice, Italy.
On June 8, Sue Von Richter, 58, Helen Underwood, 70, and Rebecca Jacobs, 60, joined by teammates from Dragons Abreast Australia, will paddle 30km through Venice’s historic canals.
Their participation is a testament to the resilience of breast cancer survivors.
Ms Von Richter shared why the challenge is so significant to her.
“It’s just to show that breast cancer doesn’t define your life, you can still get out there and do things, it’s not something that can stop you,” she said.
This year marks 30 years of dragon boating for breast cancer survivors, a movement inspired by Dr Don McKenzie.
In the late 1990s, doctors warned breast cancer patients against upper body exercise, fearing it could trigger lymphedema, a chronic side-effect of treatment.
Dr McKenzie set out to challenge this belief and chose dragon boating, because it requires repeated and intense upper-body movements.
“He proved that it wasn’t detrimental to women’s health and that it was actually beneficial because it helps with lymphoedema,” Ms Von Richter said.
For the Redlands trio, the Vogalonga is an important milestone in their journeys as they prove what survivors can achieve post-diagnosis.
“Showing that we can do it and that we’re not just little old ladies sitting in boats – Helen Underwood, she’s just a machine, she’s in her 70s and can plank and slide in,” Ms Von Richter said.
Ms Underwood regards the Vogalonga as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Who would have thought after surviving breast cancer in 2010 and paddling dragon boats with my Pink Buddies for 13 years, I would have the opportunity to paddle in such a very special event.”
Ms Jacobs said: “The doctors saved my life, but dragon boat paddling saved my spirit.”
