Waitara residents were treated to a pink spectacular as members of the Taranaki Dragons supported Pink for a Day Pink October.
About 35 people supported the event held at their club rooms at the Waitara boat ramp by dressing up in pink costumes with prizes awarded for their efforts.
Founding member Kathleen Moriarity attended a Breast Cancer Conference in 2007along with a friend where they discovered dragon boating and brought the idea back to Waitara.
“I guess I was one of the ones that started Taranaki Dragons. I am chuffed that it is still going. We have had a wonderful turn out today and are always looking for new paddlers.
“We have done a pink paddle for quite a few years now. The main aim is to get more awareness out there in the community of what we do, as well as raise some money for the Breast Cancer Foundation.”
Pink for a Day was all about participation with up 22 people in the boat at one time with sweep Kathryn Ham standing tall and proud directing the boat and calling instructions to the paddlers. In her pink cape she looked like a warrior princess. The sweep role is one that Kathleen has recently been learning.
Kathleen said keeping up her fitness levels over the winter months certainly helped her body as it was only her second paddle of the season and she was feeling great.
It was also one of the Taranaki Dragons regular training days. They train Sunday and Wednesday as they build towards their first regatta of the season at the Waikato Super 12s. This particular regatta is for teams of 12 members.
The team have a huge support network. Today Wayne Robinson and Hugh McCormack were their supporters on the water beside them in a power boat ready to assist any wayward paddles or incidents.
Club President Norma Haley said the day was all about having fun, encouraging new members and of course raising some much needed funds for breast cancer research.
Diagnosed 15 years ago Norma is a proud breast cancer survivor who feels that cancer is not the end of her life.
“I had a mammogram in the May and I picked up the cancer in the August. I have just carried on as normal. I had radiation as there was a tiny piece that was close to the bone. I also had medication for five years. As far as I was concerned I was doing whatever they suggested. You have to be positive. I am not ill – I am fine.”
Another proud survivor is Carol Coad who was diagnosed eight years ago.
“As far as I am concerned, they took the breast of and it hadn’t got as far as the lymph glands and so it has gone. I didn’t need radiation but I have had medication for five years to make sure it has really gone.”
Carol and Norma both strongly believe the best piece of advice they can offer is to do whatever the specialist recommends for your individual case as there has been so much research done and also medically proven help out there.
To contact the Taranaki Dragons contact Norma Haley 7586265 or 0226242981, Kathleen Moriarty 7520722 or alternatively email them at taranakidragons@gmail.com.