More Than Just a Workout: Finding Community & Strength After Cancer Through Exercise
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Over the past 23 years, I have been known to say that exercise is the magic pill. When I was diagnosed (2001) with Stage 3 breast cancer AND 6 months pregnant, it was right around the time Lance Armstrong wrote his first book, It’s Not About the Bike. Being a cyclist myself and a huge Lance Armstrong fan, I know I know. He was a cheater and a liar, but hey, so was everyone else in that sport. He did a lot of good work for the cancer community. I read that book cover to cover at least three times. I thought, if that ego maniac with Stage 4 cancer can survive cancer, then so can I. I firmly believed that being physically active on the daily would kick cancer’s ass. . just like it did for Lance Armstrong.
Since then, many studies have come out, including the Harvard Nurses Study, which has proven that moderate daily exercise can reduce the risk of recurrence by up to 50% and can improve survival rates.
I don't know about you, but I chose to live, and if I can avoid a recurrence, I'll do whatever it takes. Over the years, I've done it all: marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks, bicycled centuries, and climbed mountains. My proudest moment was the RAIN Ride, bicycling across Indiana, 160 miles in 7 hours and 46 minutes. However, exercise doesn't have to be that extreme or time-consuming; what matters most is the consistent commitment to staying active.
Last year, I joined a local Dragon Boat Racing Team, which is a competitive water sport originating in ancient China. Today, it's an international sport with 316 teams in 37 countries and 15,000 paddlers worldwide. Our team, the Kentucky Thoroughbreasts (clever name), comprises 40-50 women from diverse backgrounds, ages, and experiences. Some are breast cancer survivors, some have had other cancers, and others are supporters. I have competed in Welland, Ontario, Vancouver, BC, Akron, Ohio, and Richmond, Virginia. Our team will be competing in France in 2026 for an international competition. According to the founder and coaches, our team values compassion and support over extreme competition. Naturally competitive, I have realized the true importance of support and camaraderie over winning while having a teammate on the boat who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Joining the team has allowed me to understand and witness the power of community, which has been a silver lining for me. Find something you enjoy doing, embrace the social benefits of exercise, and remember the Nike saying, 'Just Do It.' Then, GET TO THE OTHER SIDE.
Since then, many studies have come out, including the Harvard Nurses Study, which has proven that moderate daily exercise can reduce the risk of recurrence by up to 50% and can improve survival rates.
I don't know about you, but I chose to live, and if I can avoid a recurrence, I'll do whatever it takes. Over the years, I've done it all: marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks, bicycled centuries, and climbed mountains. My proudest moment was the RAIN Ride, bicycling across Indiana, 160 miles in 7 hours and 46 minutes. However, exercise doesn't have to be that extreme or time-consuming; what matters most is the consistent commitment to staying active.
Last year, I joined a local Dragon Boat Racing Team, which is a competitive water sport originating in ancient China. Today, it's an international sport with 316 teams in 37 countries and 15,000 paddlers worldwide. Our team, the Kentucky Thoroughbreasts (clever name), comprises 40-50 women from diverse backgrounds, ages, and experiences. Some are breast cancer survivors, some have had other cancers, and others are supporters. I have competed in Welland, Ontario, Vancouver, BC, Akron, Ohio, and Richmond, Virginia. Our team will be competing in France in 2026 for an international competition. According to the founder and coaches, our team values compassion and support over extreme competition. Naturally competitive, I have realized the true importance of support and camaraderie over winning while having a teammate on the boat who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Joining the team has allowed me to understand and witness the power of community, which has been a silver lining for me. Find something you enjoy doing, embrace the social benefits of exercise, and remember the Nike saying, 'Just Do It.' Then, GET TO THE OTHER SIDE.