‘Truly a family’: N.S. breast cancer survivors find community through paddling

A group of breast cancer survivors who call themselves the Bosom Buddies find support on the water.

A group of Nova Scotia women have found a positive way to deal with a devastating diagnosis.

The “Bosom Buddies” group is made up of breast cancer survivors inspired by the “Abreast” boat team in Vancouver.

They paddle as a dragon boat team with two boats on Lake Banook in Dartmouth and one at Shipyard Bay Marina in Mahone Bay, N.S.

The group has been in existence since 1998.

“Breast cancer survivors were getting together across Canada to do this all around that time, so we compete against other teams and all over Canada,” says public relations chair Cheryl Coffin.

“We are considered a support group for people, women, men, whatever, going through breast cancer. We provide support just by being here and taking part in this sport, it’s just a great way to help recover from your illness.”

Mary Stevens was among those taking part in the group’s most recent Dartmouth practice.

She says it means a lot to be around people with similar experiences.

“And we don’t talk about cancer here, but everybody knows we’ve all been through the same thing,” she said.

President Julie Banks adds while they love having new members they also hate the reason behind it.

“Honestly, this is the best thing that’s happened to me,” she said.

“I joined before I started treatment 15 years ago. And I don’t know what I would’ve done without the support during the treatment. I had buddies calling me after chemo, when I started radiation, ‘How you feeling? Can I drop off food?’ It was just amazing. It’s a family. It’s truly a family.”

Members don’t need to meet a fitness level or have previous paddling experience to join.

More information on the group can be found on the Bosom Buddies of Nova Scotia website.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Jim Kvammen

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