Members of the Cape Breastoners dragon boat team will take part in the International Breast Cancer Commission Festival from Aug. 24-30 in France. From left are Carole MacLeod, Beverly Spencer, Eileen Gilday-Flynn, Diane Boutilier, Cheryl Butler-Berkeley, Star Ward, and Terri Lynn Fougere. CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentBreast cancer is a life-changing experience. Once a woman hears those words, she has to mentally prepare herself for the fight of her life.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle contentJust look at the picture that accompanies my words. These lovely ladies fought the battle and are now off to France to join 4,500 other breast cancer survivors from all over the world. What a sight that will be!Article contentArticle contentThey are heading for the International Breast Cancer Commission Festival. The festival runs from Aug. 24-30. They fly out of Halifax on Aug. 21 to head to Geneva, Switzerland. They will then be bussed to Annecy in France where they will stay for nine days.Article contentThese ladies will be paddling with the New Glasgow team, Abreast a River. There are two other local ladies making the trip. Corrine McIsaac and Ruby Wilson will be joining the New Brunswick team because they didn’t have a full boat.Article contentIt will be much more than a gathering on the water. The festival will be a celebration of courage, connection, and the deep joy of moving forward together.Article contentINCREDIBLE JOURNEYArticle contentThey are embarking on an incredible journey.Article contentThe festival honours the women whose lives have been touched by breast cancer and strengthened by dragon boat paddling.Article contentThese ladies are shouting out to the world that life after breast cancer can be active, vibrant, and meaningful. They will arrive in France with incredible spirit and energy.Article contentArticle contentThe festival will be held on the shores of Lac du Bourget, one of France’s largest natural glacial lakes, in Aix-Les-Bains. It promises to be the largest one ever held, so these Cape Breton ladies sure picked a good one to attend.Article contentArticle contentThey will come home with such marvelous memories. They will be making so many new friends in which they will share history and experiences. Perhaps the Cape Breton Post can do a feature story when they come home…hint, hint.Article content‘PADDLES UP!’Article contentI’m very familiar with this group of survivors. A few years ago, our Homeville Women’s Institute wanted to create an awareness of the early symptoms of breast cancer. We were successful in obtaining funding from the East Cape Breton Community Health Board to distribute laminated bookmarks highlighting the symptoms. The Port Morien legion hosted a luncheon where there was a visual display on the symptoms. Many of the ladies in attendance were breast cancer survivors or family members honouring loved ones who weren’t as fortunate.
Cape Breastoners off to France for international festival
