 
This month Rough Terrain brings you a story of a courageous group
of women who found a river as a source for spiritual healing.
During the summer of 2001, twenty-five women
- all breast cancer survivors - gathered on the shores of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia for the World Dragonboat Racing Championships.
Dragonboat racing originated in China two-thousand years ago as a
way to fight adversity and drive away evil spirits.
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Together these women faced challenges that many of us would not accept.
Warned against the dangers of strength training and exerting oneself
too much, the women you will meet found inspiration in the solace
of this urban waterway. These races are more than just competition
for them, they are a source of gathering and strengthening each other.
This proud team of women proves that they can overcome any obstacle
together.
Today, there are over 30 breast cancer survivor teams worldwide
and that number is growing. According to Against the Wind's mission
statement, they strive to "become and remain fit and strong
women for life." Finding unity and respect in a supportive
atmosphere as they glide in unison with the river, they demonstrate
to others living with cancer that you can live a full, active life.
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