Spotlight on | The Pink Ladies

All dressed in pink, the women who make up the Pink Dragon Ladies rowing team are united in a common cause: rowing to fight breast cancer.

It all began in the 1980s in Canada: a doctor noticed that patients who had undergone surgery for breast cancer and who participated in sports that involved using their arms did not develop lymphedema *. So he put together a rowing team… And it worked! No more “swollen arm” syndrome among these patients. Plus, being part of a crew means forming bonds, listening and sharing, offering comfort and advice, and showing solidarity.

The concept has inspired others around the world. The first French team was formed in 2004 by an oncologist from Reims. Today, no fewer than a hundred “Pink Dragon Ladies” crews sail on the lakes, rivers, and coastlines of France.

The Gulf of Morbihan Week is a wonderful opportunity to get together: “It’s our biggest gathering,” says Myriam Lorcy, fleet captain. “There are usually 12 to 14 crews in attendance. They come from northern France, the Paris region, the Arcachon Basin… And then there are the regulars from Lanester, Inzinzac-Lochrist, Rennes, Nantes, Angers…”

Some people don’t have a boat: we work together to find them a spot on a boat.

Our outing takes place all day Thursday, and then there’s the Friday night dinner with two brilliant hosts who make sure we have a great evening. It’s a group effort (preparation, serving, music…): our whole group is involved.

This evening gives us a chance to get to know the crews in a different setting than out on the water. Families are there too; there can be anywhere from 120 to 130 people at this event.”

The sea, new connections, shared challenges, and a friendly atmosphere: that’s what Gulf Week is all about…

* The removal of lymph nodes causes problems with lymph circulation and leads to lymphedema: swelling of the arms.

Photo credit: Glen BULOT & Jean-Marie LIOT