Dragon boat team at Woy Woy

Umina resident Ms Vicki White and other members of the dragon boat team Coast Busters will be at Deepwater Plaza, Woy Woy, on Mondays, October 15 and 22.

They will be fundraising for the Cancer Council and the Dragons Abreast "Coast Busters" team.

Vicki was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in 1998 when she was 37 and her daughters were nine and seven.

Ms White said that while in the shower she noticed a lump "the size of a golf ball" that she had not felt before.

Ms White said that within a week she had undergone surgery to have the malignant tumour removed along with a large part of her breast.

A reconstruction was done at the same time.

After 36 sessions of radiotherapy, she underwent three months of chemotherapy.

Ms White said the next six months became a blur of hospital visits and specialist appointments.

As Vicki was a sole parent at the time, she had to move and lease out her home to be able to meet the mortgage repayments.

The children also had to change schools to be near their carers.

Ms White said she lost her hair and gained 10 kilos due to the steroids that she was required to take, but she survived.

"Sadly, in Australia every day, 30 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and seven lose their battle to survive," Ms White said.

"The Pink Ribbon is the symbol of support for the many women who have been affected by breast cancer globally.

"The funds raised on Pink Ribbon Day, Monday, October 22, are used by The Cancer Council to fund research, offer support services and to educate women to be breast aware."

Ms White said that the Dragons Abreast organisation and the local dragon boat team "Coast Busters" recognised that exercise ws an important part of the healing process.

Paddling a dragon boat was recognised as beneficial in improving or preventing lymphoedaema, a side effect after surgery.

"Working together promotes strong friendships, with an emphasis on learning to trust your body again in a fun and supportive environment," Ms White said.

"Anyone on the Peninsula or Central Coast who has survived breast cancer can become a member of Coast Busters and join in the fun."

Vicki and the girls were in Caloundra, Queensland, last week to participate in "Abreast in Australia" and compete alongside approximately 2000 survivors from around the world.

Dragons Abreast Central Coast is a registered charity and non-profit organization.

Donations of $2 and more are tax deductible.

Press release, 21 Sep 2007 Vicki White, Dragons Abreast Central Coast