Pat
"FIGHT LIKE A GIRL"
Spring 2023, after my annual routine screening mammogram, I was told those dreaded words that no one ever wants to hear..."YOU have Breast Cancer"!!!
My reaction to this news was a flurry of emotions over a period of time. First it was Shock, Denial, Fear, Pure Panic, and Devastation—followed by Guilt, Anger, Pity, Numbness and Depression. Finally, there was Acceptance, Determination, Calmness and HOPE!
I just felt so sad, overwhelmed and alone with my diagnosis. After some time, and a million tears, the initial shock wore off and then acceptance of my new reality sank in, "I have Breast Cancer!" I finally could own my diagnosis and even say it out loud, (without crying). This was a major step for me!
Next came determination! Suddenly, a calmness came over me and I told myself, “Ok, you have breast cancer, you CAN do this, you are NOT hopeless or alone! You are strong and you're going to 'Fight Like a Girl'! You are going to survive this and go on to live your best life yet!”
Summer 2023, My breast cancer journey began...my summer was neither easy nor fun undergoing surgery and radiation but I 'Fought Like a Girl' and I made my way through to the other side! Now it was time to live my best life.
Fall 2023, I received an email inviting me to a Breast Cancer Survivor Community Outreach Event at Fox Chase Cancer Center. I attended because one of my doctors was speaking, there was a promise of free food, and vendor tables with giveaways. Among all of the vendors and a sea of pink trinkets, I found a truly unexpected treasure when I came upon the ladies at the table from the Dragon Boat Team called Hope Afloat USA!
At first, I wasn't sure exactly what a Dragon Boat Team was or what purpose it served. But, after speaking with these amazing, lovely, engaging, strong and inspiring women, I learned that Hope Afloat USA is a women's dragon boat team whose mission is:
"To help survivors of breast cancer make positive emotional, spiritual, and physical changes in their lives through the ancient sport of dragon boat racing. We encourage survivors, regardless of their age or athletic ability, to "awaken the dragon within" by providing them with hope, support, camaraderie, and adventure."
I was immediately interested but uncertain. I had questions & doubts. Was I ready? Was I strong enough? Am I too old? Could I do this? The Hope Afloat ladies answered all of my questions and told me that there is really only one way to find out if this is for you and that is by giving it a try!
Spring 2024, 6 months post radiation, I went to my first practice to "give it a try"! I discovered that not only CAN I DO this, (Dragon Boating), but also that I love what I am doing! My inner dragon was awakened and now “I Paddle like a Fierce Girl”!!!
Summer 2024, what a difference a year makes! In June, I gratefully celebrated my 1 year anniversary of being cancer free! I am thankful for the continued support of my family, friends and teammates! I truly believe that one of the best things that I did for myself to help me recover physically, mentally and emotionally was to join Team Hope Afloat USA!
Some of the things I really love about being part of our team (besides winning races), is the true sense of belonging, the support and the nonjudgmental environment! We have all been there, done that. We get what you're going through because each of us has been there and we are still here! We are literally and figuratively all in the same boat! WE ARE HOPE AFLOAT!
The year 2024 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac. The Dragon is said to symbolize power, strength, and good fortune.
Do you want to awaken your inner dragon? Come to the river to "Give it a try" and "Paddle Like a Girl"!!!
Meet me at the river,
Pat Smith
Survivor 2024