Linda G.

I am the President of Hope Afloat USA, a position I have held for a number of years.  This is my 14th season with the team and this team has been instrumental and transformative for my life.  Fifteen years ago, I had just finished my treatment and had just lost my youngest son.  I was at a very low point and knew I had to do something different.  So, on New Year’s Eve, I sent an email to Hope Afloat for information and within days I was invited to join them at the paddle pool in Bryn Mawr that week!!  I was very nervous and anxious that I would make a fool of myself.  I was warmly welcomed and made to feel that I could do this.  I was coached, helped, and encouraged by these wonderful women and I was hooked. 

This team helped me heal.  Before this team, I didn’t believe that there would be life after cancer.  My mother died at 50, my sister at 40, both from breast cancer.  I was diagnosed at 59 and never thought I would see 61.  I joined this team and met all these amazing survivors—long-term 20, 30, and 40 years.  I had hope for the first time and this year I am a 15-year survivor and I am thriving.

This team became my friends and my sisters.  They helped me become stronger, happier and more confident.  My happy place is in a dragon boat.  Whatever is bothering me takes a back seat once I get in the boat and start paddling.  It’s almost like meditation.

Through this team, I have been encouraged to reach forward and to compete at higher levels.  I realized that I enjoyed being on a competitive team and I loved being on a team to work out and race.  I was fortunate to try out for the 2019 USA dragon boat team that went to China and I made that team.  It was an amazing experience and was the beginning of my travelling all over the world to participate in dragon boat racing.  Dragon boating and Hope Afloat have made my life so much fuller and rewarding and have connected me with so many wonderful, caring and fun people.  I will always be grateful for this team giving me a new fuller life.