For two decades, a group of breast cancer survivors in Âé¶čAV have stuck together and shared their love for dragon boat paddling, while spreading breast cancer awareness.
The 38 member breast cancer padding team âBust âN Looseâ, participates in dragon boat festivals each year to continue the fight against breast cancer.
In the 20 years, team members have raised $31,000 for the B.C. Cancer Foundation to help drive local breast cancer research and care.
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The president of the Âé¶čAV Breast Cancer Paddling Team Lynne Heidt heard of the paddling team before she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 at the age of 58 and after becoming breast cancer-free, she was then diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2018.
Cancer didnât slow down Heidt, when she was well enough she jumped on board and joined the team.
âAs soon as it was physically possible, I joined the team,â she said. âIâve been fortunate to enjoy the camaraderie, fitness, and fun for 11 years since.â
The team has made its way around the world competing internationallyâincluding in Germany, Italy, and Australia.
âWe strive to support breast cancer research and care and are very proud to have been so successful in our fundraising efforts,â she said. âItâs also allowed us to create awareness in our community and abroad as well.â
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Lynne said the group is always seeking breast cancer survivors to join the team.
âOur goal is to inspire people diagnosed with breast cancer to live each day to the fullest and send a positive message that they can continue to grow stronger while having fun,â she said. âWe want survivors to benefit from the support of this team and celebrate a future without breast cancer with us.â
The ladies will be paddling in the Âé¶čAV Dragon Boat Festival on August 24th.
laryn.gilmour@blackpress.ca
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