I was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2013 with new growth noted in 2015. At that time, I began searching out complementary treatments as my options were limited. I saw a flyer for the Wellness Warriors at a local wellness center where I had taken a workshop and was intrigued as I had learned to row on an “eight boat” many years ago and loved being on the water.
My health concerns and other life commitments were taking up most of my time and I lived about an hour west of Boston so it was hard to make the decision to join then. It wasn’t until a few years later that a work colleague of mine had mentioned she was part of the Wellness Warriors group and encouraged me to give it a try. I was so grateful that I did!
2018 BDBF – first time racers Maria, Beth, Linda, Kristi, Maura, and Lorraine
I attended an off-season event in 2018 before joining and was welcomed by the most amazing group of people! I felt “at home” from that first meeting and instantly felt that I had found my “tribe”. I don’t have much family in the Boston area and having the support of the Wellness Warriors has been a true blessing.
To be on the water and focusing on the next stroke and being in sync while paddling with your teammates is a pretty special feeling. The beautiful part of this sport is that anyone at any fitness level is welcome and can fit right in at any time.
A cancer diagnosis can make you feel powerless and paddling in a sense gives you back your power, your strength, and your belief in yourself. Healing not only happens on the physical level but on the mental, emotional, and spiritual levels as well and a lot of emotional healing takes place when you’re on the water. The Wellness Warriors understand your journey both in the boat and out and I am very thankful to be part of this team!