'There is Indeed a Life
After Breast Cancer'
VICTORIA - Tina O'Brien from C&A Jewellers in Victoria recently shared in an amazing life changing experience. One year ago, as a woman going through treatment for breast cancer, Tina would never have imagined herself as part of a Dragon Boat team, let alone participating in an international event in Singapore.
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TINA O'BRIEN (left) is shown above at Victoria airport upon her arrival back from Singapore. She was met by her husband Adrian O'Brien who greeted her with flowers to celebrate her victory.
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She was part of the Island Breaststrokers who arrived home in Victoria as proud world champions, gold medals clinking around their necks. The team had recently travelled to Singapore to compete in the First World Championships for Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boats.
Race day brought torrential downpours and relief from the intense humidity. As true West Coasters paddling out to the start line, the rain was welcomed as a good omen. "We had trained and worked so hard for this moment…once we were on the water, we were at home. We owned it. We won the gold," said Tina.
"This whole experience was a dream and then a reality. It showed…how people can reach for a star and actually hold it in their hands."
"Team effort and commitment as well as excellent coaching made us all reach just a little more in our sometimes gruelling practices. We were treated as athletes and not just survivors."
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TINA O'BRIEN
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Words that ring true for Tina, and expressed by teammate, Dorothy, "This team has given me another chance at redefining my life…I have a renewed purpose. There is indeed a life after breast cancer."
Dragon Boating has provided a forum to promote awareness about breast cancer and the importance of having regular mammograms and maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
The Island Breaststrokers will be heading to Australia in 2007 to compete in another international Pink Dragon Boat event.
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