Rowing Cares Announces 27 New Grants in Support of the Cancer Community
Wilton CT, December 13, 2022 — Rowing Cares, the rowing community’s on-going fight against cancer, today announced 27 grants totaling $152,000 to be awarded to organizations across the U.S. Throughout the year the rowing community and it’s supporters engaged in fundraising through Row for the Cure regattas, virtual events and October’s Pink the Boathouse Challenge.
Community health organizations which support local cancer patients and their families with programs such as free screenings, peer-to-peer counseling, financial assistance, patient navigation and transportation.
Community rowing organizations which empower cancer survivors through rehabilitation and exercise programs while providing camaraderie, support and socialization.
Leading cancer research organization Susan G. Komen, which funds cutting edge research for more effective treatments; toward reducing cancer-related deaths and ultimately finding a cure.
Naiades Oncology Rowing
Rochester, NYCitrine Health
Everett, WA
“Rowing Cares is thrilled to award these grants to organizations which do such important work for those impacted by cancer. We are proud to be their partners and remain committed to helping those who are most vulnerable get the care they need”, said Beth Kohl, President of Rowing Cares. “Led by the event committee of Seattle Row for the Cure, we have embraced the concept of DAMPER. Donating AMammogram Per Every Rower, which is valued at $150. This call to action has been embraced by our community and was a major contributor to us collectively raising over $170,000 in 2022.
Our volunteers across the U.S. have seen first- hand the positive health benefits our sport provides to cancer survivors during their rehabilitation and recovery and each year we see more organizations offering programs for survivors. And importantly, we see the powerful impact Komen is making toward finding a cure as they fund clinical trials and offer research grants to those making a difference.
Rowing Cares is grateful to our donors, volunteers, participants, organizers and sponsors who continue to support our mission. We share the awarding of these grants with them.“
Carol Milgard Breast Center
Tacoma, WASaugatuck Survive-OARS
Westport, CT
2022 Rowing Cares Grant Recipients
Community Cancer Organizations
Breast Cancer Angels – Southern California
Breast Friends – Tigard, OR
Breast Health Sarasota – Sarasota, FL
Carol Milgard Breast Center – Tacoma, WA
Citrine Health – Everett, WA
In The Pink – Jacksonville, FL
Isabella Santos Foundation – Charlotte, NC
Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation – Lagrangeville, NY
Pink Lemonade Project – Vancouver, WA
Providence Regional Cancer Partnership – Everett, WA
Scripps MD Anderson Breast Cancer Center – San Diego, CA
Susan G. Komen Seattle – Seattle, WA
Swedish Medical Center Foundation – Seattle, WA
Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition – Oak Ridge, TN
The Ellie Fund – Boston, MA
YWCA Princeton Breast Cancer Resource Center – Princeton, NJ
Survivor Rowing Progams
BCS Survivors Crew Team – Westerville, OH
Belmont Rowing for Active Recovery (ROAR) – Belmont, NC
Naiades Oncology Rowing – Rochester, NY
Recovery on Water – Chicago, IL
River City Rowing Club – West Sacramento, CA
Saugatuck Survive-OARS – Westport, CT
We Can Row Boston – Boston, MA
We Can Row Buffalo – Buffalo, NY
We Can Row Camp Randall – Madison, WI
We Can Row Philly – Philadelphia, PA
We Can Row DC – Washington, DC
Susan G. Komen – National
Donations will be gratefully accepted through the end of 2022 – Donate here
About Rowing Cares and Row for the Cure
Founded in 1993, Rowing Cares is the rowing and water-sports community’s crusade against cancer, raising funds through a series of Row for the Cure regattas, virtual rowing events and the annual Pink the Boathouse Challenge held in October. Rowing Cares provides grants to community cancer organizations which support local cancer patients and their families, to rowing organizations which empower cancer survivors and to cutting-edge cancer research conducted by Susan G. Komen. To date over 3.5 million has been distributed to those in need.
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“The Power of Pink Cannot Be Underestimated”
So said the Seattle Times in their coverage of September’s Seattle Row for the Cure. We couldn’t agree more.
The fall is always a special time for us as we host three signature events – Seattle, San Diego and Pink the Boathouse. This year you could just feel the excitement as rowers embraced the challenge to help change lives as they raced, practiced and celebrated together and raised funds which will be distributed to cancer organizations across the U.S. Together they sent a powerful message: we will support those impacted by cancer and we won’t stop until we find a cure. If there is one thing we know, rowers are a dynamic force who won’t let anything stop them until they reach the finish line.
We could not be more proud to be part of this dynamic movement and will always continue to fight and continue to educate about the importance of early screening and detection.
September 18th saw the return of the dedicated Pacific North West rowing community to Gas Works Park for Seattle Row for the Cure. Masters and junior rowers, from 19 clubs, competed in a 5.8 k head race, 1k sprint and ever-popular Costume Contest. One of the many features of the event is the opportunity to earn a PINK ERG, for those clubs which reach fundraising thresholds. This year a record five ergs were delivered (Lake Stevens Rowing Club, Everett Rowing Association, Lake Union Crew and two to Sammamish for masters and juniors!) and the event exceeded its fundraising goal of $100k. A key element of success for this event, which was first held in 2000, is a strong event committee including representatives from many local clubs who work closely with the Seattle community every year. To date they have raised a staggering $1.5 million plus for local organizations. A motivating fundraising target for all participants is DAMPER (Donating a Mammogram per Every Rower) – which focuses on securing donations of $150 – the cost of a mammogram.
Thank you to the Seattle Times for covering this special event! Read more here.
Beneficiaries of funds raised are PNW-based: Breast Health Services at Providence-Swedish, Citrine Health and Carol Milgard Breast Center in addition to our national partner Susan G. Komen.
Save the Date for Seattle Row for the Cure: September 17, 2023
A signature event on our schedule, the Row for the Cure San Diego returned for its 21st year on October 8. Always a fan favorite, held on Mission Bay, clubs from San Diego and SoCal gathered for a beautiful morning of racing, hosted by the San Diego Crew Classic.
An added incentive this year for fundraising teams was the offer from the San Diego Crew Classic and Gina and Steve Considine to match the first $5k in donations. The teams, led by top fundraisers ZLAC Rowing Club and Community Rowing of San Diego, rose to the Challenge and raised over $16k. These funds will be awarded to local San Diego organizations: Scripps MD Anderson Patient Support Services, Breast Cancer Angels and to our national partner Susan G. Komen toward research.
The first Row for the Cure San Diego regatta was hosted by UC San Diego Women’s Crew in 2001 shortly after losing an alumna, Lori Ann Uptegrove, and a Triton family member, Joyce Snyder, to breast cancer. This year teams raced in honor of teammates and loved ones, with Mission Bay ablaze in a sea of pink.
The rowing community and its supporters across the U.S. answered the call and got their PINK ON during October to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor or memory of those near and dear to us, we rowed, erged, ran, walked, led a team, donated, and raised funds as individuals or teams as part of the PinktheBoathouse Challenge.
This year rowing teams turned out in force, and in pink, for practice and during races. We saw Juniors, Collegiate and Masters teams host celebrations at their boathouses in honor of teammates and family members. Once again, Row House studios hosted Pink the Boathouse rows, with the studios donating all class fees to Pink the Boathouse. This celebration continues to grow every year, welcoming hundreds of new participants, and we are thrilled engage the rowing and cancer communities in such a meaningful partnership.
Special recognition goes to the Northeastern Women’s Rowing Team, under the direction of coach Joe Wilhelm, which was our top team fundraiser. 33 athletes, including our top individual fundraiser Alice Brashars, raised over $5k in honor of those impacted by cancer.
A few campaign highlights:
24 Row House studios held Pink the Boathouse rows
Three regattas designated races as Rows for the Cure: Secret City Head Race, Hoover Fall Classic,First Coast Head Race
Cotton Candy Crew led by CeCe Aguda brought a boat of rowers in pink and teal to the Head of the Charles to support those impacted by breast and ovarian cancer
USRowing Training Center athletes supported Pink the Boathouse
As a result, we will distribute over $30,000 in grants to community cancer organizations and rowing programs for survivors across the U.S. and to Susan G. Komen toward research to help find a cure.
THANK YOU ALL!
Congratulations and thank you to every participant, vendor, volunteer, supporter, donor and friend for all three events. Special thanks to our national partners: USRowing, Regatta Central, Row House, Concept 2, JL Racing, Rowing News and to the local supporters in Seattle and San Diego.
Row for the Cure sends a special thank you to USRowing referee Eric Weir who traveled from Sacramento to oversee the San Diego event.
Please note, fundraising is still open on all of these events through the end of the year. Thank you for your continued support of this important mission!
Komen Corner
One of our goals is to help educate on the importance of early cancer screening and detection. Not only in October but each and every day.
All women need to be informed by their health care provider about the best screening options for them. When you are told about the benefits and risks of screening and decide with your health care provider whether screening is right for you—and if so, when to have it—this is called informed and shared decision-making.
Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which breast cancer screening tests are right for you, and when you should have them.
Join the Pink the Boathouse Challenge for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Marin Rowing
For 29 years Row for the Cure has shared a passion with the rowing community to fight cancer and to support those who have been impacted. Throughout October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, athletes, coaches, teams and supporters are invited to participate in the Pink The Boathouse Challenge to honor, remember and celebrate loved ones and to continue the fight to find a cure.
Form or join a fundraising team–challenge your friends, family members, teammates or rivals: https://give.classy.org/ptb2022
Participate in “Row for the Cure”- designated events within existing regattas such as Secret City Head Race and Hoover Fall Classic on October 8/9, First Coast Head Race on October 15 or compete/support at Row for the Cure San Diego on October 8.
Make DAMPER your goal- Donating A Mammogram Per Every Rower. Imagine 1,000 rowers raising $150 each to support the cost of a mammogram for 1,000 individuals – with a single goal to save lives.to save lives!
Wilmington Rowing Center
All funds raised will be distributed as grants to support local education, free screenings, follow-up treatments and spreading awareness and toward cutting edge research conducted by Susan G. Komen. Grants will also be awarded to organizations which empower survivors through rowing programs. Prizes to top fundraisers include a USRowing Lifetime membership and Concept2 erg.
The month-long initiative will include tributes to survivors, honoring those lost to cancer and recognition of caregivers. Participants are encouraged to share their stories and tag #pinktheboathouse as you complete your challenge/activities and raise funds to help change lives. Follow all the activities on Instagram/rowforthecure.
Row House Ovieto
Row for the Cure is proud to partner with USRowing, Regatta Central, JL Racing, Concept2, Rowing News, Row House and Susan G. Komen. For more information contact president@rowforthecure.org.
About Row for the Cure and Rowing Cares
Founded in 1993, Row for the Cure is the signature fundraiser for the non-profit Rowing Cares. Rowing Cares is the rowing and water-sports community’s crusade against cancer, raising funds through a series of events, regattas and virtual challenges across the U.S. Rowing Cares provides grants to community cancer organizations which support local cancer patients and their families, to rowing organizations which empower cancer survivors and to cutting-edge cancer research conducted by Susan G. Komen. To date close to $4 million has been distributed to those in need.
Seattle Row for the Cure is returning September 18, 2022!
We are thrilled to announce that Seattle Row for the Cure is back, bigger and better for 2022. Join us for our traditional 5,800m head race or a fun 1,000m sprint. From breast cancer survivor boats to our prized pink costume contest, there is something for everyone! Please visit the website and consider donating to these dedicated and passionate PNW rowers!
Junior and masters crews from NY and CT gathered for the 13th annual Row for the Cure Poughkeepsie on June 5. Hosted by Hudson River Rowing Association, the day was filled with sunshine, good water, great costumes and lots of fun!
A highlight of the event was seeing many cancer survivors rowing. For several, this was their first race and they came across the finish line to the delighted cheers of all teams. These moments inspired us all
Proceeds from the regatta benefit the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, which directly supports more than 700 breast cancer patients a year in the Hudson Valley Region. Row for the Cure also partners with Susan G. Komen and supports their efforts to find a cure through cutting-edge research.
Thank you to Hudson River Rowing Association and all the participants and supporters for making a difference in the lives of those impacted by cancer.
Year #1 of this fabulous new event is in the books with a great result!
117 participants from 18 rowing clubs completed a 5k during August and hosted fundraising campaigns to benefit Survivor Rowing Programs and to help fund cutting edge research. To date over $8,000 has been raised through donations, merchandise sales and registration fees.
This event was hosted by the Hydrow Shorties, a dynamic group of women who work out on a Hydrow Rower and use the interactive, social media capabilities to encourage and support each other. They also compete to fundraise for causes about which they are passionate.
“The Shorties are grateful to all of the rowers who chose to end their summer by joining us in supporting this important cause, said Erin Naber, team captain. In our group, we have survivors, ladies currently undergoing treatment, and all of us have friends, family members, and/or coworkers who have fought or are fighting breast cancer. We look forward to growing this event in the years to come. Special cheers to all the cancer survivors who competed.”
Congratulations to our 5K winners:
Junior Female Ella Warden 20.13.6 Whitemarsh Boat Club
Junior Male Haiden Bonczek 18:27.8 Whitemarsh Boat Club
Collegiate Female Nancy Mabry 24.55.2 Whitemarsh Boat Club
Masters Female Susan McInerney 21:13.9 Saugatuck Rowing Club
Masters Male Christopher Rawson 21:20.9 Whitemarsh Rowing Club
Bad Burritos, Cape Fear Rowing Club, Chargers Rowing Club, Crew 104 Rowing Club, Dallas Rowing Club, Fairport Crew Club, Hydrow Rowing Club, Hydrow Shorties, Jacksonville Rowing Club, Mile High Rowing Club, Naiades Oncology Rowing Club, Row for the Cure, Saugatuck Rowing Club, Spokane Rowing Association, Unaffiliated and Whitemarsh Rowing Club.
Row for the Cure/Rowing Cares is proud to support:
Survivor Rowing Programs receiving grants in 2021: Recovery on Water, Saugatuck SurviveOARS, We Can Row Boston, We Can Row Buffalo, We Can Row DC, We Can Row Philly, We Can Row Camp Randall, Naiades Oncology Rowing and Cortlandt Rowing Association.
Advances toward finding a cure for cancer through research conducted by Susan G. Komen
Thank you all! See you next August!
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San Diego Row for the Cure® Set for October 8th, 2022
San Diego— September 8, 2022 — the San Diego Row for the Cure® will return to the shores of Mission Bay for its 21st running in 2022. The regatta, hosted by Row for the Cure and the San Diego Crew Classic® Foundation, will offer 57 different events for competitors at the Junior, Collegiate and Masters level. The event will take place during the first weekend in October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
“We’re thrilled to be back on Mission Bay for the 21st annual San Diego Row for the Cure. Our goal is to bring the rowing and cancer communities together for a day of fun on the water while remembering and honoring those near and dear to us. We are proud to support community cancer organizations which provide invaluable services to those in treatment and to the survivor community, and we continue to fight hard to find a cure by supporting breakthrough research,” said Beth Kohl, Executive Director of Row for the Cure.
Funds Raised go to Breast Cancer Research and Support The San Diego Row for the Cure returns in 2022 with its continued mission to support research and programming for breast cancer patients, survivors and their families in the San Diego region. Competitors have the option to fundraise for their row through Classy.org, and may raise funds as individuals or as part of a team. The San Diego Crew Classic Foundation, in addition to providing administrative and logistical support for the regatta, will also provide a match gift donation of $2,500. An additional $2,500 match will be provided by Foundation Board members Gina and Steven Considine, bringing the total match award to $5,000. Among programs that will receive funds from this year’s Row for the Cure are Susan G. Komen®, Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Patient Support Services, and Breast Cancer Angels.
Regatta Increases Awareness and Connection in Rowing Community The inaugural San Diego Row for the Cure was hosted by UC San Diego in 2001 after the loss of alumna Lori Ann Uptegrove, and a Triton family member, Joyce Snyder, to breast cancer. Since then, the regatta has continued to grow and serve as an annual day of celebration and solidarity in the local rowing community for all those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. In 2021, the San Diego Crew Classic Foundation agreed to take over the organization of the regatta.
“The San Diego Crew Classic and its Foundation chose to take on a partnership with the regatta in order to better support the local rowing community with this great annual event for a good cause,” says Bobbie Smith, Executive Director of the San Diego Crew Classic. “We are happy to use our resources at the San Diego Crew Classic as a longtime institution here on Mission Bay to help the Row for the Cure to continue to grow and to provide this valuable outlet for our athletes to raise awareness and to honor those in their communities who have been affected by breast cancer.”
Regatta Information Participants will race in a head race (single file, time-trial) format over a 4 kilometer course around Mission Bay. Junior, Collegiate, Open and Masters events will be offered in seven different boat classes.
Saturday, October 8, 2022 Start time: 7:30 am End time: 9:30 am
Regatta headquarters will be on North Ski Beach on Mission Bay.
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San Diego Crew Classic® and Row for the Cure® are registered trademarks in the United States and/or other countries. The San Diego Crew Classic Foundation, and Row for the Cure are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations.
Row for the Cure is a signature fundraising campaign of the nonprofit Rowing Cares, which to date has raised over $3.5 million dollars to support the cancer community. Rowing Cares is proud to partner with USRowing, Regatta Central, Concept 2, JL Racing, Rowing News and Susan G. Komen.
For more information, press only: Bobbie Smith, Executive Director–San Diego Crew Classic (619)225-0300 bobbie@crewclassic.org
Row for the Cure is delighted to announce the addition of 3 new Brand Ambassadors to our team: Lori Boersma, Pete Landry and Victoria Madden.
Lori Boersma
Seven years ago I was diagnosed with cancer, for the second time in less than five years. During chemotherapy treatments, I contracted pneumonia and the flu at the same time. I was put into a medically induced coma as my oxygen levels began to decrease and I developed sepsis. During a 54 day coma my lungs, kidneys, brain, and other organs failed. Doctors at both Norwalk and Yale New Haven hospital gave me a less than 1% chance of living and my family had to make some tough decisions – keep me alive not knowing the outcome or terminate all machines keeping me alive. After 54 days, I woke and spent the next five weeks at an in-patient rehabilitation facility relearning how to walk, talk, write, balance, and everything else we take for granted. A little over a year post-coma, I discovered the Saugatuck Survive-Oars. This amazing all breast cancer survivor rowing team has given me a lifelong support system, a workout regimen that continues to strengthen my organs that failed, doctor visits full of positive outcomes, and a drive to continue fighting and appreciating this second life I was given. Today that less than 1% chance is my “why”! Contact Lori.
Pete Landry
Pete, based in Charlotte, NC, works for Wells Fargo as the Director for the firm’s Insurance and Annuities businesses. He and his team deliver protection-based solutions to Wells Fargo clients, as well as their families and businesses. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Pete was in senior management for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch’s Insurance and Annuity Services business. Pete discovered rowing through Charlotte’s Row House franchise, Row House Cotswold Village in July of 2020 as he was seeking a safe and healthy way to work out during the pandemic. With several family members and friends who are breast cancer survivors, Pete is committed to doing what he has come to love in rowing and turning it into helping others with their own battles against cancer. He’s been a top fundraiser for Row for the Cure in 2020 as well as 2021 and is excited to join the organization as a Brand Ambassador. Contact Pete.
Victoria Madden
Victoria grew up in Florida and is in her ‘happy place’ anytime she is on, in, or near the water. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and began rowing in 2018 as part of the Saugatuck SurviveOARs, a crew made up entirely of breast cancer survivors. Her first race was in 2019 at Row for the Cure – Poughkeepsie. Being involved in rowing as part of her recovery has been life changing and she would like to continue to support and encourage other survivors through the sport.
Victoria is excited to help create and build the Survivor Rowing Network. Contact Victoria.
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Two years ago, a fabulous new rowing team, Hydrow Shorties, joined the Pink the Boathouse Challenge and quickly became a top fundraising team. This dynamic group of rowers under 5’2” is stepping up again and doing good for the cancer community, hosting a virtual erg event throughout August – Row 5k OarBust! They invite everyone to join the challenge.
The Shorties will donate all funds raised to Survivor Rowing Programs across the U.S. which empower cancer survivors through rehabilitation and exercise programs. Survivor Rowing Programs receiving grants in 2021: Recovery on Water, Saugatuck SurviveOARS, We Can Row Boston, We Can Row Buffalo, We Can Row DC, We Can Row Philly, We Can Row Camp Randall, Naiades Oncology Rowing, and Cortlandt Community Rowing Association.
A portion of all funds raised will also be directed to cutting-edge cancer research, conducted by Susan G. Komen, that will lead to new, more effective treatment, ultimately reducing cancer-related deaths and finding a cure.
“We work out on the Hydrow erg and use its interactive, social media capabilities to encourage and support one another – holding competitions, building a community, and, most importantly to our story, fundraise for causes we are passionate about,” said Erin Naber, team captain for the Shorties. “In our group, we have survivors, ladies currently undergoing treatment, and all of us have friends, family members, and/or coworkers who have fought or are fighting breast cancer. We are excited to launch this new Row for the Cure event and support those who need our help.“
All participants will receive a Row5k OAR Bust! sticker
Winners of each division and the Top Fundraiser will receive a Row for the Cure prize and be featured in post event media
Purchase your event gear HERE – great styles and colors available
“The Hydrow Shorties are passionate, committed and fun and we’re delighted to add this new event to our 2022 schedule” said Beth Kohl, President,Row for the Cure. We work with Rowing Clubs across the country which improve the lives of cancer survivors , and their families, by offering programs for those coming out of treatment. These women meet others who are in similar situations, and we’ve seen beautiful friendships born. We’re happy to be able to support these organizations, providing more opportunities for survivors to benefit from our wonderful sport, while also supporting Susan G. Komen’s research initiatives.”
Row for the Cure is a signature program run by the non-profit Rowing Cares. Rowing Cares is the rowing community’s crusade against cancer, raising funds through a series of events, regattas and virtual challenges across the U.S. Rowing Cares provides grants to community cancer organizations which support local cancer patients and their families, to rowing organizations which empower cancer survivors and to cutting-edge cancer research conducted by Susan G. Komen. Since its inception in 1993 the organization has raised over $3.5 million which has been distributed locally to support patients, caregivers and survivors and to help find a cure.
A powerful bond between mother and son brings us to share their story this Mother’s Day weekend. We met the Behrens family from New Jersey last October when Brendan participated in the Pink the Boathouse Challenge in honor of his mother, Krisi. In March, Brendan once again got on the erg to support his mom at the Mercer Indoor Row for the Cure. A man of deep conviction and love for his mother, Brendan was passionate and dedicated in his quest to raise funds for the Princeton YWCA Breast Cancer Resource Center. There was a tremendous outpouring of support for the Behrens family, and, in the end, Brendan was the top fundraiser for the event.
Both Krisi and Brendan are committed to helping those who are fighting. We thank them. They will always be an inspiration to us. In honor of Mother’s Day, Row for the Cure asked them to share a bit of themselves and their incredible journey.
Krisi
“Brendan started rowing in college. We have watched him from the shore and loved every minute of it.
“My husband, Drew, and I play paddle tennis. Teaching tennis and paddle tennis has been my way of getting through my various treatments. My director and workplace have been 100% supportive of me and let me work pending my energy. I went from working an hour last March back to a full day, five to six days a week. Work has helped me gain my strength, energy, and stamina back.
“We have two children, and we are very blessed. They both give back to the community and have most of their lives. Our daughter is finishing college in May and will run a Virtual 5K with me this summer to raise breast cancer awareness. As you have seen, our son, Brendan, has been inspired to make a difference. I was overwhelmed by his first race entry in the Row for the CurePink the Boathouse Challenge and his friends coming together to surprise and recognize me in October. There are not the right words to describe what that meant to me. I did not need chemo, yet three of his friends shaved their heads. One said, ‘We know you didn’t need chemo, but we also know breast cancer is a fight for the rest of your life, so we wanted to show you we will be there for you.’ This gesture was incredibly moving.
When Brendan mentioned that he was doing the Mercer Indoor Row for the Cure to raise funds and awareness, we continued to be very proud of him. We appreciate his giving heart, discipline, and focus on raising awareness and funds. It is shocking to hear one out of eight women will experience some form of breast cancer in the U.S., and we want to help people detect it early. This will be an accomplishment if we can help other people detect cancer early, before it becomes invasive and avoid treatment.
We have received so much love. We have had tremendous support from our families, social, and work communities: prayer groups, hot meals, plants, candles, and notes from children. The support has made all the difference.”
Brendan
“I picked up rowing in college my freshman spring after encouragement from my parents to try a new sport. Having a background in high school football, one of the things that always stood out to me was how much all the guys looked forward to October when they could wear pink and support Breast Cancer Awareness.
“Last year, after my mom’s diagnosis, it was no longer just about raising awareness; it meant showing my love and support for my mom. I had no idea the pain and discomfort that many experience after treatments. My mom went back to teaching tennis as soon as possible. Despite having doubts about her level of play and still being in pain, she would still go out almost every day for us. It can be hard watching her walk around after she spends a day teaching because of the pain in her joints and feet caused by her current cancer medication, but she does it out of love. That is what true strength is.
“Row for the Cure is the perfect way for me to represent her in my races. Giving has always been one of her core values, so becoming a fundraiser meant I could represent her in the best possible way.
“When my closest friends heard about the diagnosis, they all planned to shave their heads for her in October. I see support from everyone I know. They always ask about her and how she’s doing. Thinking of my mom and participating in Row for the Cure has given me the strength to keep going when I question if I have anything left to give. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and honored my mom.
“Just a bunch of some of the most incredible guys helping support the greatest, most formidable, most inspirational mother. Since finding out and battling through her cancer treatment, she has posted 60 videos about living and loving life. She is a great inspiration to all as she continues not to let this define her.”
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the fantastic families within the Row for the Cure community. Thank you for your unending support, and have a lovely weekend!
