TWELVE years ago, a friend recommended Donna Harrison join Dragons Abreast Bendigo.<\/p>\n
Donning bright pink shirts to paddle on Lake Weeroona, the club brings together women affected by breast cancer for dragon boat racing, a water sport originating in China thousands of years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do it for physical and mental health, getting everybody together. It\u2019s a fun social event and just gets us out training,\u201d Ms Harrison said.<\/p>\n
She is now the club\u2019s secretary and said in her time there, she\u2019s formed new connections and developed her confidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got a really good friendship group and I\u2019ve found that it\u2019s brought me out from being very shy, it\u2019s been really good that way.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve got people to talk to if you\u2019ve got any problems or anything coming up.\u201d<\/p>\n
The group meets for training twice a week on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, and Ms Harrison said the physical activity can help to alleviate conditions that can develop from cancer treatment.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can get lymphedema once you\u2019ve had breast cancer, with having the lymph nodes out, and it was proven that it helps to stop the swelling and keeps you moving,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Under COVID-19 restrictions, the number of women permitted in a boat is half of the usual capacity, but the club have found ways to continue facilitating the sport when possible.<\/p>\n
Members rotate between two boats allowing everyone to have a go, and Ms Harrison said newcomers are always welcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re always looking for new members so if anyone has been through breast cancer that is ready to look at something to do, we\u2019re always happy for them to come down or contact us,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n