I was diagnosed April 1998, aged 54 yrs and had a mastectomy a week later, at Coffs Harbour, NSW. One year earlier, almost to the day, our daughter Cathy passed away. She was 31 yrs old, and had lived with the disability of Spina Bifida. At birth, we did not expect her to survive, but she was strong then, and courageous throughout her short life, but suffered badly for the last year of her life.

Fortunately we also had two sons, who were a great strength to me and still are, as well as a loving and caring husband, and other members of the extended family and friends. I particularly remember one special friend, who would turn up, out of the blue, listen to my troubles and give me a massage !! how I value her friendship!!

When I retired from teaching in 2003, we decided to move to Brisbane to be closer to our sons. Shortly after, they both became fathers, so we are now very active grandparents to two bonny little boys.

How could I meet people in this new environment? Join a BC support group of course !! At the Redlands BC support I met Edith, who was very enthusiastic, and urged me to try dragon boat paddling! I really enjoy being active, in fact I found that walking, bike riding, and swimming, kept me sane, and gave me "head space"!! So I was really keen to have a try. I loved it !! but more importantly, I realised that I had found the activity where many inspiring women could be found !! I had a whole new lease on life. What a great time I have had since joining Missabittatitti, and all thanks to that great gal Edith !!

Its so good that we have organisations such as Dragons Abreast and Amazon Heart, which enable women to inspire and strengthen each other, and give newly diagnosed girls the hope and belief that life is not over, but a new direction may be beginning. Old dreams may be realised because we know we haven't a moment to waste, like riding a bike in the Loire Valley - that's a bicycle not a Harley!!

Thank you to our leaders, Meredith and Megan, and those who make things possible, by the donations we receive, and all of us who are pushing our limits !!

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