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Rosanne "Rosy" Loft Brisbane, Queensland Australia   Click Here to Donate Now!

I was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly four years ago when I was 34 years old. My treatment involved a lumpectomy, six months of chemotherapy with six weeks of radiation treatment “sandwiched” in the middle, concurrently with hormone treatment for two years.

I am currently in very good health and am nearly four years cancer free (anniversary coming up 6 April this year!) I walk daily, paddle 2-3 times a week, go to the gym, swim and (if I have time) try to give my body and mind a rest!

My story:

After living in the Netherlands with my partner Klaas for four years, we’d just moved back to Australia to be closer to my family. We were new to Brisbane and had only been here for three months when we received the devastating news that I had breast cancer. As you can imagine, being new to a big city, we not only had the trauma of dealing with a cancer diagnosis but had no support system set up as yet, not even a family doctor to turn to!

To say that a cancer diagnosis is a shock is an understatement. From that moment on our lives as we knew it changed; our innocence was gone and we were suddenly faced with the terrifying prospect of me possibly dying.

As I lay in hospital reading what I could no longer do, I came across a newsletter that had a tiny photo in the bottom right hand corner of the front page about dragon boating. I quickly turned to page two and learned about this great organisation called Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA) where breast cancer survivors were encouraged to stay active by paddling in dragon boats and even racing in competitions!

Ten days out of hospital at home all alone I was sick of reading about breast cancer and remembered the article which mentioned that DAA would be paddling in the National championships the next weekend at Hinze Dam (Qld). Despite having my arm still in a sling and being advised by the doctor to rest and not to go out in the sun, I begged Klaas to take me.

We arrived at Hinze Dam and we didn’t know what hit us. A sea of pink ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes parading around in hot pink feather boas, cowboy hats, pink hair, “phat” pink sunglasses and whatever else they could get their hands on, laughing and chatting to everyone and looking like they were having the time of their lives! I immediately thought; “I want want what they’re having!”

I met three very important ladies that day; the lady who instigated getting Dragons Abreast to Queensland Janelle Gamble, a fellow “newbie” Sue Lane and a lovely friend that is sadly no longer with us, Gayle Creed. Although Sue, Gayle and I were not able to paddle that day, the pink ladies took us in and treated us like royalty by taking us out in “tinnies” and letting us join in on the very emotional and moving flowers on the water ceremony.

The atmosphere was amazing; you could literally cut the air with a knife during the one minute silence whilst survivors, supporters and fellow competitors paused to reflect on their loved ones and friends who’d been diagnosed and those who they had sadly lost. At the end of the ceremony the pink ladies arrived on shore to a standing ovation and guard of honour that stretched up the hill as far as the eye could see.

At the time I was still in shock about my diagnosis but I did realise the enormity of the situation and felt immediately that I was amongst friends; I soaked up every drop of atmosphere that day and knew then that I had to join this group of ladies who were doing something positive with their lives following their diagnosis.

When we compete, we are one; winning is not important as we’ve all already won our race by getting into the boat. We proudly wear our outrageous hot pink outfits, informing the community about breast cancer, encouraging women to check their breasts and showing the world that we are determined to lead active and healthy lives no matter what our diagnosis may be.

Dragon Boating Career Highlights:

Paddled for Brisbane in the State Titles at Murwillumbah in 2003; completed a 55km (in one day) marathon in Kununurra, WA, in 2004; competed in the “Alcan Festival” and “10 years, Abreast in a Boat” international paddling competitions in Canada 2005, qualified and paddled for the Ladies Premier Team for Brisbane in the State Championships in February at Kawana Waters Queensland where we won a gold medal in not only this race but also the Breast Cancer Challenge (not that we’re competitive!)

Loves of my life:

My very supportive partner and love of my life, Klaas and surrogate child, dog Bruce. I am also enjoying every moment of being a very proud first-time “tante” (aunty in Dutch) to my two beautiful little nephews (born recently within 2 weeks of each other), Ryan and Elijah.

Amazon Heart Expedition:

I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be taking part in this year’s Amazon Heart Expedition – it’s a wonderful and exciting opportunity for breast cancer survivors!

Through this expedition I hope to raise awareness of breast cancer in the community, particularly its impact on younger women, raise vital funds for DAA and experience the challenge of a lifetime, conquering the 2015m summit of Mt Hope with my fellow survivors!

“This expedition poses very important challenges to me personally both physically and mentally. The timing’s perfect; I’ll be celebrating my four year anniversary the very day we reach the summit! It truly is an adventure of a lifetime and I can’t wait!”

The pink ladies have been and continue to be a vital support system for me and have been the shining light in the very dark and often lonely tunnel of a breast cancer. I honestly don’t know how Klaas and I would have coped with my diagnosis if it wasn’t for their unconditional friendship and support they continue to give to both of us. We’re like one big family and have a lot of fun together.

Growing up with two brothers, I’ve always been a bit of a tom-boy. These days, I open my wardrobe and can’t believe how much hot pink clothing, accessories (feather boas are compulsory) and nail polish I own!

With an organisation such as this, you get to know the Directors and volunteers personally and we all know that they have and continue to put in an extraordinary amount of their own time and money into running the organisation, so I’m so glad to be able to help out with some badly needed financial support.

- Thanks to all my supporters for your generosity!

What next?

Klaas and I bought our engagement ring in Kununurra Western Australia and got engaged in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island in Canada last year. Who knows what‘s going to happen in New Zealand…stay tuned!