Sabrina

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer (Metaplastic Carcinoma) in June 2015, after finding a lump in my right breast. My treatment included a bilateral mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy. I had two young children at the time, ages 6 & 3, worked full time during treatment, but was surrounded by family and friends to support me through the process. In addition to having a very rare and aggressive type of breast cancer, it was also triple negative which meant that I could not take any preventative medications following treatment. 

During one of my many visits to see my oncologist, I stumbled upon a flyer in the waiting room and thought to myself, “This looks interesting”, so I gave it a whirl. I showed up at the paddle pool with barely any hair on my head, not knowing anyone. I ended up joining Hope Afloat USA in February 2016 shortly after my last surgery and immediately fell in love with the sport. My motivation to try dragon boating was driven by a desire to “do something for myself.”

As we were preparing to go to an International race in Italy in 2018, I unfortunately found a lump in my neck. It ended up being the same type of breast cancer I had in 2015. I had 15 lymph nodes removed from my neck, many rounds of chemotherapy, followed by several weeks of radiation. What was different this time around is that I had an army of women who supported me every step of the way, in addition to my loving husband, family and friends. Members of the team showed up with food, paper products, toiletries, and so much love and support. I will forever be grateful for that. Although I didn’t get to physically go to Italy with the team, I was there in spirit and was in all of their photos as, “Flat Sabrina.”

I am the Vice President of Hope Afloat and would love to continue to grow the team so that other breast cancer survivors can also experience the same sense of hope, camaraderie, and inspiration. I want all breast cancer survivors to be happy, healthy, and strong and I believe Hope Afloat can be the vehicle to achieve this. We may be fierce on the water, but on land we can be found facilitating breast cancer awareness walks every October, engaging in fundraising activities, and just enjoying time together.

I am incredibly grateful to be on this team with these wonderful women and our amazing coach.  I have gained many sisters and true friends with the women on Hope Afloat and will forever be grateful for them.

PS - I am very competitive and our coach knows just how to inspire me to work harder every practice and every race. Thanks, John Breen!