Teamwork critical to recovery

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - With each stroke of the paddle, Genie Barker and the members of the Indy SurviveOars are getting stronger. The Indianapolis-based group is one of the many dragon boat racing teams made up of entirely of breast cancer survivors.

"It is energizing. It is a safe, supportive, secure feeling being around all of these survivors," co-chair Genie Barker said.

Purdue assistant professor Meghan McDonough has been researching these unique athletes for several years.

"One of the interesting things that we found from those early studies was that the social relationships and social support available on those teams, played a unique role and was very important to the participants," McDonough said.

McDonough said the teamwork is empowering and improves self-esteem. But it also helps them recover from the physical effects of cancer.

"One of things that appeals to many women is the opportunity to train, to be an athlete, get fitter to demonstrate what women can do after having breast cancer," McDonough said.

Genie Barker agreed.

"I no longer live with that constant fear. I have my mind set. It's just a great thing to be around all of these women," Barker said.

"They are out there, achieving something they may have never done before. But, they have this connection with other women who have had breast cancer, but it's not the focus," McDonough said.

Indy SurviveOars is the state's only dragon boat team made up entirely of breast cancer survivors. Team members range in age from 30 to 85 years old. They are supported by Clarian Health and the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center.

For more information on SurviveOars click here.