While driving along the George Washington Parkway to Bethesda's National Naval Medical Center a few years back, Doris Parker, now 49, of Alexandria used to admire the crew teams on the Potomac. Seeing them practice in the early mornings was a highlight of her trips to prepare for reconstructive breast surgery after a mastectomy.
"When I'm done with this," Parker thought back then, she would join a rowing club, too.
Novice female rowers draw strength from each other on a Row as One outing.
(Courtesy Of Holly Metcalf)
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In 2003 Parker did just that. And she began planning a weekend of courses for other novice rowers who've had breast cancer. The result was "We Can Row D.C.," to take place Friday, May 13, through Sunday, May 15, at the Anacostia Community Boathouse (11th and O streets SE). The event, open to 16 participants, is sponsored by Boston's Row As One Institute, a nonprofit group for inexperienced female rowers and breast cancer survivors, and the Capital Rowing Club of D.C. Parker is the event's volunteer coordinator.
With a breast cancer diagnosis, said Parker, you feel "your body has betrayed you." Rowing contributes to "regaining [physical strength] and confidence in your body," she said.
Holly Metcalf, an Olympic rower and founder and director of the institute, will be the weekend's instructor. Once participants are on the water, worries are left behind, she said. "There's this gurgling sound that comes under the boat when it starts to move efficiently -- it's very therapeutic. . . ."
A Harvard Medical School study is exploring the effect of rowing on lymphedema, a sometimes-painful buildup of lymphatic fluid in the arm, following breast cancer surgery. Some doctors believe rowing may have a preventive effect; others, a worsening effect.
Parker said medical professionals will be on site throughout the weekend. Participants must pass a rower's swim test, available through parks and recreation groups, and have their doctor's written permission. The participation fee is $25.
For an application, call Parker at 703-299-8525 or e-mail wecanrow@comcast.net.
-- Samantha Sordyl
