| October is breast cancer awareness month and heralds numerous sport and exercise activities that draw attention to this disease. October 1 is also the last day of Olympic competition in Sydney, Australia and, for one young Canadian woman, represents the culmination of a career in paddling that began almost 20 years ago. For Caroline Brunet, many time World Champion in her sport and voted Canada's best athlete in 1999, these Olympics are an opportunity to exhibit her paddling ability and to be challenged at the highest level of sport. Where is the connection? Abreast in a Boat is a group of women living with breast cancer who have adopted the activity of Dragonboat paddling to raise awareness of breast cancer. This activity was chosen as a visible expression of repetitive upper body exercise, which challenged the myth of physical activity after breast cancer treatment. One important side effect of this form of therapy is the mental health that it provides. Dragonboat paddling can physically challenge every participant but it also offers feelings of togetherness, warmth, confidence, laughter, profound emotion and the fatigue of honest exercise that is enjoyed by every athlete. For many women, paddling has "given them back their life" from this dreaded disease. For those women who do not paddle it provides hope and these paddlers serve as role models for other women with breast cancer, and other serious medical conditions. They are Heroines.
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For Caroline Brunet, competition at the Olympic Games is accompanied be extraordinary physical and emotional demands and expectations for success. But beyond the stress of competition lies a love of the sport and an appreciation of the esthetics of paddling. As her boat glides through the water she is not unlike any of the women in Abreast in a Boat who are younger than Caroline and are paddling following treatment.
When she learned about the association of paddling and breast cancer she was enthusiastic in her support. "How can I support this group" was her first reaction. She has already begun. Like many champions, she has a tremendous sense of purpose. She is a superb role model for youth and will be a valuable spokesperson for Abreast in a Boat as this group of women increases breast cancer awareness throughout the world.
Let's hope that October is a successful month for all paddlers.
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