STORIES OF STRENGTH AND RECOVERYThese are stories from members of the Survivor Rowing Network who have found in rowing a powerful path forward in their cancer journey.
There are many more voices—women and men whose lives as cancer survivors have been transformed through strength, connection, and community on the water and on the erg.
If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear it. Your experience matters—and it deserves to be told.
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.
Amy B I was diagnosed at 48 years old in November 2014 with breast cancer, had a mastectomy, chemotherapy then radiation during the spring of 2015. In the spring of 2016 a friend told me about this great organization of cancer survivors who go out on a lake and row. I had no previous experience rowing. After the first time out, I was so scared we were going to flip over, but they took great care in guiding me and other newbies to learn the lingo, technique and most importantly to laugh and enjoy the ride. I am part of the Tri State We Can Row organization (rowstrong.org) based in Salisbury, CT.
Jacolyn B
“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.
Shari L
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.
Dee M
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.
Lisa OI discovered rowing aged 52 and was loving developing a new sport in my 50’s when I received my breast cancer diagnosis. I was able to stay active through my mastectomy and treatment, and rowing gave me purpose and strength to help remain true to myself throughout the active treatment and beyond. I am now establishing my own breast cancer survivor rowing charity in London to offer other women the chance to connect with their bodies and continue to row or learn to row as recoverers and survivors.
Fiona BI 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.
Christine R
As a very lucky duodenal cancer survivor and participant in the Cancer Recovery through RoWing (CReW) program of the Upper Valley Rowing Foundation, I have been experiencing how special the Connecticut River is while benefiting from outstanding coaching and the friendship and support of fellow survivors. I was introduced to this program by my APRN at Dartmouth Health, a co-founder of CReW. As a former distance runner who finds running quite uncomfortable due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, I am extremely grateful to have discovered rowing and this community as ways to stay motivated and exercise regularly. I absolutely love the endless learning and teamwork that are necessary for successful rowing.
Tom GShortly 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.
Sue RWhen I was re-diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2019, I made a promise to myself: to keep living life to the fullest. In searching for a way to stay active during treatment, I discovered WeCanRow Philly. I still remember that first Wednesday practice five years ago - how hesitant I felt facing the unknown. But staying true to my promise, I pushed myself forward, and that step led me to embrace rowing, I find it deeply inspiring to be surrounded by women who not only support and encourage each other but also remind me of the strength we all carry within. Through this program, I’ve built lifelong friendships, found a passion for rowing, and uncovered a resilience in myself that continues to carry me forward.
In our second year, that passion led me and friends to enter regattas, beginning with Diamond State and Kingshead. Then last year, we had the honor of racing in the inaugural Head of the Charles Survivor Event. The experience was unforgettable! As we rowed up to the start, the cheers from the riverbanks echoed around us, reminding us that being part of this event was something far greater than ourselves.
This year, I celebrate six years of living with cancer. The discipline and perseverance I’ve developed through rowing help me show up, stay strong, and keep going - no matter what.
JANET B
Rowing has taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through physical pain—it’s about mastering patience and trust. Coming from a track and field background, I was used to instant results and personal control over my performance. But rowing forced me to embrace delayed gratification, teamwork, and the discipline of refining technique over time. I’ve learned that true endurance is as mental as it is physical, and that growth often comes from surrendering to the process rather than forcing the outcome.
For fellow survivors, I understand the journey of rebuilding—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Rowing gives you a chance to push yourself, rediscover your strength, and find a team that truly has your back. The rhythm of the stroke, the power of moving together, and the peace of being on the water can be healing in ways you might not expect.
NAPOLEON G
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.
Holly S
