''Live as though it won't come back'' is Dianne Bradshaw's motto. After two bouts of breast cancer 20 years apart, the 61-year-old is fitter than she's ever been.
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Ms Bradshaw and 19 of her work colleagues from the oncology department of the Canberra Hospital, making up team Can't Row Can't Swim, paddled ''for fun'' to raise money for breast cancer charities in the ACT on Sunday.
''It's so therapeutic to be out on the lake, even when it smells,'' Ms Bradshaw said.
She said the camaraderie of the women and learning a new skill helped keep her positive. ''It lets people know there is life after breast cancer and you get out on the lake and have a good time.''
More than 650 entrants were out on the water near Weston Park at Yarralumla for the first race of this year's Dragons Abreast Regatta at 8am. A carnival atmosphere, with attractions including face painting, cupcake stalls and a sausage sizzle, made the event popular with children, too.
Regatta organiser Marion Blake said entries for the 12th annual event were slightly down on last year.
''This year we hope to raise $30,000 to $35,000 but we've got fabulous attendance and lots of corporate teams,'' Ms Blake said. ''The whole regatta is about raising money for breast cancer groups and raising awareness as well as getting on with life after breast cancer.
''I joined after I finished treatment, just to get back to normal - at the end of 1996 - met a huge number of women and got a lot fitter than I ever was before.
''We welcome new people - any size or shape - some of our members have never even done a sport before and they end up getting quite fit.''
Ms Blake said one of the most inspirational teams was named Resilience.
''The team all have secondary breast cancer - they've had a primary tumour and it's spread through the body.''
■ For more information visit www.dragonsabreast.com.au/act/
