Life after breast cancer treatment, for the members of Dragons Abreast Mt Waning, is full of friendship, fitness and fun.
Breast Cancer Awareness month – October, is a time when everyone is invited to participate in their activities.
These activities culminate in a Come and Try Paddling Day, where breast cancer survivors are invited to experience the joys of paddling on our beautiful Tweed River. Dragons Abreast is a national organisation dedicated to promoting awareness of Breast Cancer and demonstrating that life after treatment can be lived in a fun and healthy way.
Their message for October is that one in nine women is being diagnosed with the disease and, with early detection, found by having regular mammograms and self examination, the long-term prognosis is not what it once was. Treatment options are improving every day, giving hope to the many women and men who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
On the weekend of October 6 and 7, Dragons Abreast Mt Warning catered for the “Power of Pink” dressage and show jumping weekend hosted by Tweed Valley Equestrian Group. All money raised by the equestrian group and Dragons Abreast Mt Warning goes directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, who undertake extensive research for prevention and the cure of breast cancer. This was a hugely successful weekend with happy riders, happy organisers and a very happy Foundation – pictures and a full report next week.
Dragons Abreast Mt Warning is running a Mini Field of Women on October 11 at the Murwillumbah Post Office. This is an initiative of Breast Cancer Network Australia to raise awareness and celebrate the lives of women who have lost their lives to breast cancer. There will be a stall at the post office, where the public can meet some of the friendly members and find out more about what it is that the group has to offer.
The group is also supporting a Pink Ribbon Day stall in Wollumbin Street Murwillumbah, on Friday, October 19. The Pink Ribbon Campaign, an initiative of the Cancer Council, is an annual drive to raise awareness, raise funds for prevention program support services and world class breast cancer research. Again, it is an opportunity for people to meet some of the friendly members and have a chat.
President and founder of Dragons Abreast Mt Warning, Chris Lonie, said it was a worthy cause.
“Breast cancer affects so many women and some men in our community, that most of us know someone who has had a diagnosis and treatment,” she said.
“No previous paddling experience is necessary if you are thinking about joining us, to share the thrill of this wonderful, revitalising sport. We feel there are a lot of women out there who would benefit from joining our paddling support group. So much benefit comes from getting together with other survivors, having fun whilst regaining strength and fitness, proving that there is indeed life after breast cancer”
The last event for the month will be a “Come and Try Paddling” day on November 4. Anyone who has had breast cancer is most welcome to join us. Bring a friend to the second boat ramp in McLeod Street Condong, which is along past the sugar mill and the school, at 10am. There you will find friendly and welcoming people waiting for you, to share some very relaxed fun-filled paddling and a delicious morning tea.
“We have all learned to paddle and made some very good friends, who support each other, since joining the club,” Chris said.
“Take that first big step, the rest is easy. Come along and join us. We hope to see you there.”
