Breast Cancer Survivors’ Triumph in Rowing Festival

Breast cancer survivors from around the world recently gathered in Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, to take part in a unique celebration of life. The event saw participants row across the waters of the region in a show of strength and unity.

Among the participants were the Linked in Pinks, a globally recognized team in the breast cancer survivor category. The event was reminiscent of the "Luna's Messengers" who would journey by canoe to Swallow Island (Cozumel) to pay homage to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility.

From February 1 to 4, the Rosa Mexicano Festival took place, featuring a Dragon Boat competition. This sport involves 10 crew members who row in unison, following a voice of command. The competition was friendly, with the primary goal being to socialize and celebrate life after a challenging battle with cancer.

The event was organized by the Puerto Aventuras team, Balam Ha, and coach Francois Blais. The inspiration came from other countries like Canada, Spain, and China, which have survivor teams. Recognizing the absence of such teams in Mexico, the organizers decided to create their own, explained Estefania Mariel, one of the event's organizers.

The four-day festival also included conferences with medical professionals, nutritionists, and psychologists who provided mental and emotional support to the participants. Many of these women had undergone mastectomies, a surgical procedure to remove one or both breasts to treat cancer.

Experts like Dr. Don McKenzie were consulted, who highlighted the benefits of rowing for women post-mastectomy. The sport strengthens the pectoral, back, and shoulder muscles, aiding in tissue mobility and strength recovery. It also helps prevent lymphedema, a common side effect of breast cancer treatment characterized by swelling in the arm where surgery was performed.

Dragon Boat is a sport that originated in China, but at the Rosa Mexicano Festival, the activity was linked to local ancestry. "We organized a Mayan show, honoring the four elements, and especially the sea, something very common in this area," Mariel explained.

The Dragon Boat team from Puerto Aventuras plans to continue the project in 2025 and is actively seeking sponsors and participants for the next festival. Mariel emphasized the profound impact of the event, stating, "It helps tremendously to go out to sea, to work as a team, knowing that others have gone through what you have, are in the same boat, fighting, rowing to be happy. It connects you very deeply."

The event served as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of those who have battled cancer, echoing the ancient belief in Ixchel, the Mayan goddess who embodied the duality of life, destruction, and healing.