I’m kind of an outgoing person, full of energy, friendly, and love sports so much especially swimming. But when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, my whole life changed. I felt I was drowning in a deep ocean and felt so alone struggling to swim and in desperate need of help.

I had lumpectomy with 4 cycles of chemotherapy, 38 days of radiation and ended taking tamoxifin last October 2009. During this journey, I told myself that I will not allow cancer to ruin or mess my life. I will not allow cancer to knock me down totally. I will beat cancer because I am a winner. I will get my life back and enjoy it to the fullest. So I joined a swimming class and every time I get out from the water, I felt my whole body being energized.

I came to know about the dragon boat race of women survivors competing with other teams when I attended a Stowe Weekend of Hope retreat in Vermont. As soon as I came back to New York, I joined the Women in Canoe which is a non-breast cancer survivor team.

However, since my heart desires to be with the Empire dragon boat team and with the encouragement of Jennifer, I chose to follow my heart and joined them. The Empire dragon boat team became my new family. Living alone here in New York City is so hard especially with my health condition but with the support of my team members, I was able to surpass all the challenges that I encountered. Every time we paddle during the race, win or lose, we carry the spirit of teamwork that keeps our team going strong. Our team motto which is Spirit + Strength = Success makes us believe in ourselves and survive cancer. The support and encouragement we get from each other helped us keep going and live active lives. Go Empire, paddles up!!!