In July 2008 I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tender age of 43 and treatment lasted for almost a year. I was fortunate to find support with the Young Survivors group sponsored by the Hearst Cancer Resource Center, which was a group of “young” women who didn’t just have breast cancer in common, but were also in the midst of life, juggling careers and families. In 2013 our group was invited to paddle with the SurviveOars dragon boat team by Belin Tanner (still a paddle sister!) and I have been paddling ever since.
The best things about paddling with the SurviveOars are the people, many of whom are considered dear friends, with the bonus of paddling in a postcard in Morro Bay! Cancer takes its toll physically, mentally and emotionally, but being involved in dragon boat racing has given me the strength and motivation to do (almost) anything I put my mind to. Dragon boating has provided the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and gain confidence in my physical skills with the bonus of traveling the world to race not only in California, Arizona, Florida and Colorado but Vancouver, New Zealand, and Hungary…and next year I’m competing in the Club Crew World Championships in Italy!
I’ve had the honor of serving on the CCDBA Board of Directors since the nonprofit was founded in 2014. I encourage everyone to get involved in this fun sport - paddle with us! It may seem cliche, but I count dragon boating as a true silver lining in my cancer journey.
Missy Bullaro (left) shares a laugh and shows off her medal after participating in the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission Dragon Boat Festival in New Zealand.