In the same boat

"Women with breast cancer face uncertainty and fatigue, a tough period in their lives. Nothing is the same after a diagnosis. A rowboat nicely symbolizes that destiny: everyone is in the same boat."

In 2015, 10 Belgian women with breast cancer went to Venice. For a week, they shared a rowing boat with 10 members of the sister organization Lioness Venezia. The goal? To exchange rowing techniques and experiences with peers in the boot. Participants described their meeting on Venetian canals as "unforgettable. Rosette Van Rossem, board member at Pink Ribbon, was there. "I have rarely seen women have such intimate conversations as during that sporting week in Italy. Having (had) breast cancer together, that creates a bond that transcends national borders."

Breaking Taboo

Van Rossem, who spends a lot of time in Venice, discovered the pink rowers in 2015, and was immediately impressed. "There is still a big taboo on breast cancer. How those women rowed their way into the spotlight on the busy canals: I thought that was strong. With their visibility, they made a statement: talk about breast cancer, get moving together, find fellow sufferers! I paid the Lioness Venezia a visit. After only 1 conversation, the intention to organize an exchange grew. Through the Pink Ribbon, we launched an appeal. Interested Belgian women could apply via a cover letter. We selected 5 Dutch-speaking and 5 French-speaking women. They undertook to copy the Venetian model on Belgian waterways after the exchange. Our first homegrown Pink Ribbonettes ."

Connection

Van Rossem: "Women with breast cancer face uncertainty and fatigue, a tough period in their lives. Nothing is the same after a diagnosis. A rowing boat nicely symbolizes that destiny: everyone is in the same boat. Group rowing serves several purposes: getting moving, getting somewhere together, feeling connected to others. Working well together is crucial. If one person gets out of rhythm, the whole boat feels it." After returning from Italy, the Belgian Pink Ribbonettes founded rowing clubs in Turnhout, Lier and Brussels. "I see a lot of motivation. The Brussels team rows on the Willebroek canal. You can't compare that to the beauty of Venice. Yet they take to the water every time. They feel like real ambassadors of the concept. Moreover, the group offers them a safe, secure place."

Feasible

Rowing may seem complicated, but it is achievable for almost anyone. To join a team of Ribbonettes, you don't have to wait until the end of your treatment, either. Van Rossem: "In Venice, a woman rowed along in full chemotherapy. Everyone contributes according to their own strengths. What counts is the collective." Van Rossem looks ahead positively. "We hope that the Ribbonettes will eventually color the canals of all major Belgian cities. From Pink Ribbon we offer support in the start-up phase. After that, the intention is for the teams to become independent. Some teams did that by looking for local sponsors."