Board Inspiration: Eliza Sydney

I became interested in Row for the Cure (RFTC) after rowing in an event with the group at the Head of the Hooch, in Tennessee I rowed in honor of my dear friend Whitney who passed away from breast cancer at the young age of 29 and the week of the regatta was the anniversary of her death. Rowing with seven other women, swinging together, pushing themselves and encouraging one another down the course was challenging, rewarding but more importantly, lit a spark within myself.

One day I started counting the women (and one man) I love diagnosed with breast cancer, and I realized it was more than I could count on my two hands. It put into perspective how prevalent this disease is.

Learning more about the Susan G. Komen organization and the fantastic work they do for breast cancer research, advocacy, education, support, was incredibly inspiring. Learning more facts and figures of the disease as a whole left me realizing I could not just sit back on the sidelines.  

Many women suffer in silence, RFTC and Susan G. Komen are amplifying essential voices in the cause. There is hope to improve breast cancer outcomes. RFTC continues to have a powerful impact after a quarter of a century; I was honored to have the opportunity to join the cause and help the rowing community raise funds and support breast cancer patients and survivors. I can’t wait to see how our impact sustains and grows over the next 25 years!