Newbie No More: Reflections on my First Season as a “Hopie”
“Newbie No More”: Reflections on my First Season as a “Hopie”
By: Megan Swindro
“Newbies no more.” We raised our glasses of sparkling grape juice to officially welcome our newest members to our victorious team. I've described our final race at the Independence Dragon Boat Regatta (IDBR) as transcendent. Our third race of the day took place right before our toast and earned us first place in the Minor B Division at the largest single day regatta in the US.
The magic happened from the very start of the race. Our timing was impeccable - each paddler in sync with the woman ahead of her. I felt our boat lift up and out of the water and surge forward as if it was floating upon the Schuylkill.
We steadied our breathing. We listened to our coach. We moved as one.
In this, our first race of the season, we joined 101 teams in the 17th Annual IDBR in 3 heats of 500 meters each. We finished 19th out of 42 women's teams and, according to our coach and team veterans, clocked one of the best paddling days in years.
This feat was even more astounding, as the average age of our fellow teams was likely half of ours. We on Hope Afloat have all had breast cancer. Some of us are survivors, meaning we've had or have breast cancer and have completed or are currently in treatment. Others of us are thrivers and our cancer has metastasized and is termed Stage IV.
Our last race of the season, the Mercer County Dragon Boat Festival, took place on September 14, 2024. We bookended our season with another gold medal in the Breast Cancer Paddler Division. In the middle of the race day, we took a pause for the Flower Ceremony, a Breast Cancer Paddler Dragon Boat Tradition.
Originating in 1996 in Vancouver, breast cancer survivors unify during the Flower Ceremony to release flowers into the water to honor those who have passed away, celebrate those of us who have survived and provide hope to those who are still battling their cancer.
In each of our five races this season, mixed emotions accompany the Flower Ceremony. Each Ceremony offers an opportunity to reflect on our own personal journeys and raise awareness of the ongoing fight against breast cancer. It is also a celebration of life and survival and is usually accompanied by tears, smiles and hugs all around.
At Mercer, as I tossed my carnation in the water, I looked around at my Hopies, as we affectionately call each other, and realized the real victory lies beyond the medals. As we embraced one another, I appreciated the strength of the bond we inherently share. Cancer chose us, but we choose life and health each time we get in the boat. Each of us Hopies has walked this arduous cancer journey and has, fortunately, found community and healing on the water - together.
This is my first season on Hope Afloat and my first time dragon-boating. As the youngest member of the team, I marvel at the resilience of my teammates. I'm reminded every time I'm on the water with my Hopies that there is, indeed, life after cancer.
As I reflect on my first season and recognize fondly that I'm a newbie no more, I was inspired to craft a poem to capture the energy of my Hope Afloat experience:
When I am among the bodies moving
they give me a sense of home - appreciation for my rhythm -
I would almost say that it feels transcendent.
I am no longer distant from the collective
thrum of life.
What has saved me is this reminder that
my body is not at war with itself,
not in battle with the connective elements.
They call out to me, “breathe. stay a while.
you
belong
here.”
The light flows out from within and weaves an interconnected tapestry from heart to heart.
And I have come into the world to remember
to remind you
to remind me.
Walk gently.
Bow humbly.
Stay grounded
and centered.
you are safe here.
What has saved me is the moment
right here
right now.
