MISSION STATEMENT

Saugatuck Survive-OARS is a support community providing a unique and holistic approach to healing the spiritual, mental and physical well being of breast cancer survivors through the sport of rowing.

WHO WE ARE & HOW WE STARTED

The Saugatuck Rowing Club is nationally recognized as one of the best rowing programs in America, but it’s not just about winning national championships for us; it’s about giving back and sharing the sport we love with our community.

Nothing brings us more joy than watching someone overcome their fears and take their first stroke. It’s an empowering and intoxicating feeling that’s hard to describe. We’ve always prided ourselves on being able to teach anyone how to row, and Norwalk Hospital put us to the test.

December of 2017, we received a call from Mary Heery of The Smilow Family Breast Health Center at Norwalk Hospital. Mary believed rowing could provide the mental, emotional and physical support her breast cancer patients so desperately needed to aid in their recovery. If you’ve never met Mary, you’re missing out. Mary is quite the firecracker and will move heaven and earth for her patients. Her pitch was passionate and spot on. Rowing is a cerebral sport that requires extreme focus – leaving no time to think about anything else! The water and wind, fresh air and vitamin D is medicine for the soul and taught properly, rowing is an extremely low-impact sport. Rowing is a combination of flying and walking on water.

We accepted Mary’s challenge and offered the program free of charge. Our first practice was held on February 1st 2018, indoors, in our winter training facility, on rowing machines. It was important to start the program in the winter, indoor training, to work on their physical strength, stamina, flexibility and balance. None of us knew what to expect nor did we have a plan, but our hearts were open and our mission was simple: Cancer took something from each of these women and we will do anything in our power to make them whole again.

The program has surpassed all expectations. Our 2018 crew raced in their first regatta, Row for the Cure, in Poughkeepsie NY on June 2, 2019, and our 2019 crew is well on their way to follow in their footsteps. But it’s not just about regattas. Racing isn’t for everyone and that’s OK. Our goal is to make sure every woman feels empowered and stronger than when she arrived — and that means something different to everyone. The magic these women bring with them everyday is a gift. Their positivity is contagious, their passion is palpable, and their bond is impenetrable. They push each other, support one another and lift each other up. That once familial head nod that bonded them as “survivors,” now bonds them as rowers.

During Covid, our program moved online and we also offered hybrid training — online and in person. Our community has remained extremely strong and continues to grow. I am thrilled to report we just accepted our 5th year of new recruits (winter 2022).

Please help us continue to change lives for years to come! Your donation is 100% tax deductible and appreciated!

With Love,
Diana Kuen
President & Head Coach
Survive-OARS, Inc.