Rosa Peake

A unique opportunity came with an invitation for me, a member of the Waikato Treasure Chests breast cancer dragon boat team, to paddle in the Vogalonga Regatta in Venice on 11 May, 2008.  The invitation came from the Rome breast cancer survivor team ‘Butterfly Rosa’. Words: Rosa Peake

The story begins

After reading an article in an Australian magazine about ‘Butterfly Rosa’, I contacted them by email and arrangements were made to meet while I was on a Mediterranean cruise in August, 2006. Our contact continued four weeks later during the first international breast cancer dragon boat regatta held on 29 September, 2006 in Singapore.   I was there paddling in the Auckland ‘Busting with Life’ team and   the team from Rome was also competing.   Over 2007 the friendship was renewed at the Australian international regatta Abreast in Australia in Caloundra.  

The first Vogalonga was held in 1974.   It is a non-competitive regatta that any type of rowing boat can be entered.   The course covers approximately 30 kilometres by way of canals through the most picturesque parts of the Lagoon of Venice.   The regatta starts in St Marks Basin, in front of the Ducal Palace, then follows the coast of the islands to Burano Island turning back to Murano Island and across to the Grand Canal, where thousands of spectators line the canal and stand on the many bridges to cheer on the paddlers. There are always a large number of participants.   This year there were 1,600 boats and 2,000-3,000 participants from all over the world.

How can I describe this incredibly awesome scene and the privilege of being in a breast cancer dragon boat team; one of four breast cancer teams with paddlers from around the world paddling across the St Marks Basin (an area of water I had been across in a huge cruise ship in 2006, and across in a motor powered water taxi in 1989 and 2006). At the time I just couldn't believe it was really happening.   What an amazing sight and a fantastic feeling of achievement to be sharing this experience with other breast cancer survivors from three other countries. I just shook my head as it seemed an incredible dream.   

Entering the Grand Canal with people watching, cheering and encouraging us brought a huge lump to my throat and tears to my eyes.   When I, with the team, saluted with my paddle under the bridges my feelings were indescribable.

I was 60 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and began paddling in 2004 at age 62 -   a new sport for me and one I would never have known existed if I had not had breast cancer.   I thank dragon boating for the opportunities I have been given. 

Through this sport I have experienced the amazing camaraderie and spirit of many wonderful women. During the four years as a member of the Waikato Treasure Chests, I have paddled in many New Zealand regattas.   I have also been fortunate to paddle in other teams in America, Singapore, Australia and Italy, independently reaching out and making contact as I travel.

2006 (July) in America on the Mississippi River at a training paddle with a mixed masters team.

2006 (September) in Singapore at the breast cancer dragon boat regatta with the Auckland Team "Busting with Life".

2007 (October) in Caloundra, Australia with a combined New Zealand breast cancer team, the "Pink Kiwis".

2007 (December) in Sydney, Australia at a training paddle with the Sydney breast cancer team.

2008 (May) in Venice, Italy for the 34th Vogalonga with the Rome breast cancer team "Butterfly Rosa".

2008 (May) in Florence, Italy on the River Arno with the "Florence Ladies" breast cancer team and the "Pink Sister" breast cancer team from Canada who were also visiting Florence after the Vogalonga.