Survivors on Shortts Lake

Last Updated: Oct 27, 2009
Articles & News : Articles : Dragon Boating

Email this article

Printer friendly page

A Dragon Boat Team of Breast Cancer Survivors and Support Members, Colchester County, Nova Scotia.

Team S.O.S. or "Survivors on Shortt's Lake" is a Dragon Boat team of Breast Cancer Survivors and Support Members that train on Shortt's Lake, which is just outside of Truro, Nova Scotia.
 
Early in 2006, a small group of women decided Colchester East Hants Breast Cancer Survivors needed a Dragon boat for exercise and comradeship. This decision was based on their experience paddling with the New Glasgow team (Women Alike Abreast A River) and they knew how much it had enriched their lives.

Thinking became talking, talking became planning and Team SOS was born. As word got out, sponsors came on board, the boat was ordered and in May, 2006 it was launched at Shortt's Lake.
 
We are mothers, wives, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, friends. We have grown stronger as individuals and as a Team. We began as strangers connected only through a common disease and grew to be friends and a support network for one another, our families and the community. We are founded on principles of participation and inclusiveness. Competitive outcome is secondary. We are winners simply by being in the boat.

It's not just that we are survivors together - we have paddled and raced together, lifted boats together, traveled together, eaten together, celebrated as well as mourned together. We have built, and will continue to build a whole new set of common experiences which are much more enjoyable than the shared experience of breast cancer.

Our supporters are members of our team in a variety of ways. Some paddle with us on the lake and in races; some enjoy cheering us on from the shore; some help out with lot maintenance; others give financially to our cause of awareness and helping others. Some of our supporters participate in fundraising and public awareness events and help in recruiting breast cancer survivors for the boat.

Our Mission is to increase Breast Cancer Awareness and to provide Hope & Support for those living with the impact of Breast Cancer. To bring awareness to others that there is life after Breast Cancer.

Survivor's on Shortt's Lake have participated in dragon boat festivals in Nova Scotia including: Sydney, Dartmouth and New Glasgow. Outside of paddling, we are involved in many activities in the community.  These involve both charitable events and public awareness activities.  Some of these include:

• CIBC Run for the Cure
• Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life
• Truro Santa Claus Parade
• Shoppers Drug Mart Barbecue in support of Caring for Cancer Patients
• Camden Stables Trail Blaze in support of Caring for Cancer Patients
• Coming Home to Brookfield Days
• Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation "Tour for the Cure"
  

Every appearance made by "Team SOS" is meant to educate and encourage women and men living with breast cancer to lead full and active lives. Throughout the year, we are involved in fund raising activities.  Funds raised at these functions are used to maintain our boat and the equipment that is necessary for our paddling activities. 

We also use the funds to donate to individuals in our communities who may require aid to help them navigate through their cancer journey. There are many obstacles to overcome during this battle. In addition to emotional support, we offer some financial assistance with funds we have available. This is done with the highest level of confidentiality. We practice all year  round, with the exception of November and December. 

From May to October at 198 A. Stewart Road, Shortt's Lake, we practice Monday and Thursday:
5:45 pm pfd's on, ready the boat and warmed up
6:00 to 6:30pm recreational paddle (Monday nights only)
6:30 to 7:00 pm competitive paddle (ie. race practice)

We practice rain or shine, the only things that will keep the boat docked are thunder/lightening or unusually high winds.

From January to May, we practice at Truro Centennial Pool 7:30 - 8:30 pm on Mondays. During the off season we are to keep active in order to stay in shape for the upcoming season. This includes our weekly  pool practice. The teams physiotherapist  provides a circuit training class weekly for interested persons. There is also a weight training program that has been designed specifically for paddlers.

Why We Paddle

• It helps us regain control of our lives,
• It reminds us to make the most of every moment,
• It creates a new state of wellness in each of us,
• It demands the best of us both physically and mentally,
• It helps us overcome the loneliness of cancer,
• It creates a safety net in the event of a recurrence
• It gives us pride in our accomplishments,
• It enables us to move on with our lives,
• It creates a new balance in our lives,
• It encourages us to share our experiences with others.
  

Comments/Quotes

"Being in the boat is an amazing experience of all senses: body,mind and soul, and it's great to share with all the paddlers"-P.T.

"The girls on the team have been a big support when both I and my daughter went through our cancer journey."-M.D.

"Provides a network of support...life beyond breast cancer, bonds, sisterhood and strong friendships."-S.

"It's an hour to forget what you've been through and to realize what you can still do."-P.L.

Visit our website at  www.teamsos.ca for more information.
Ways to contact TEAM SOS:
Phone: Margaret Ann at 902-895-3620
E-mail: Survivors – Susan Learning
   susanlearning@hotmail.com
   Supporters – Bettie Spence
   ozzie-04@hotmail.com

Have comments about this article? We'd love to hear from you. Please email us at abcn@abcn.ca!