"I
was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2000 at the age of 41. Following
a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation (and a little time to regain some
of my energy), I wanted to get back into shape. My friend, Molly (from Team
Survivor Marin), suggested that I train for and participate in the Danskin
Triathlon. Although I've never been very athletic, my cancer experience
prompted me to become more adventurous, so I decided to take a chance. With
the goal of participating in this event, I found the motivation I needed
to get back into shape. I found that I actually enjoyed the routine of exercising
a little every day. The Triathlon itself was a great deal of fun. I felt
no need to compete, skipped the swim, felt challenged a little by the ride,
and sang and joked through the walk. The weekend with the Team was great,
too! I felt supported, encouraged and inspired by them. I walked away feeling
like an athlete for the first time in my life!" -- Patrice Wiper
"Hi,
my name is Colleen Galloway and I started doing triathlons 2 years ago.
When I signed up for the Danskin Triathlon in 2001 I was doing it because
I heard it was a lot of fun and that it was for a good cause. Two weeks
before the triathlon, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I showed up for
the Expo and saw women of Team Survivor get up on stage and share their
stories with the audience. I was truly touched. It really helped me understand
what I was about to go through and that I would be just fine. I did the
triathlon not telling anyone I had breast cancer but knew that I would be
up on stage the following year. After completing my chemo, I signed up to
be part of Team Survivor. I was ready to get back into shape and wanted
to do more triathlons. As part of Team Survivor not only have I met some
of the most amazing women but I have also had the opportunity to have some
great coaching. At Danskin 2002 I got up on stage with some of the same
women I saw and heard the year before. It was a great moment. I knew I had
survived breast cancer and was feeling stronger and better than ever! I
am now "hooked" on doing triathlons. I enjoy the training, the
competing, and meeting new people. It is now part of my life. See you at
the Danskin!" -- Colleen Galloway
"At
age 49 after my first mastectomy, I joined a triathlon club at the local
Y and was very encouraged by two women in their late 50's and 60's. I
trained with them and completed my first Danskin triathlon in Seattle.
I have always liked sports but am certainly not a great athlete. Before
the triathlon, I was a midpack runner, breast cancer kicked me into high
gear and I haven't looked back. Depending upon the event, I still am either
a mid or back of the pack person. But I am really having fun! In 2001,
I finished a a half ironman triathlon. In 2002 I ran a marathon. Now that
I am 60, I am looking forward to many more triathlons, besides I get to
be in another age group, which makes it even better!. Exercise has played
a big part in my life and so has Team Survivor. When Nancy asked me to
help start a chapter in Marin I jumped at the chance! Each year I set
a new goal for myself. This year it is to Hike Mt Shasta as a benefit
for the Breast Cancer Fund, and of course do the Danskin in at least one
city. Tri it you will like it! We have a lot of fun!!" -- Penny
Noble
"After
breast cancer surgery and chemotherapy at age 72, I was looking for opportunities
to exercise and found TEAM SURVIVOR MARIN. Members persuaded me to sign
up for the Danskin triathlon, then supported my training and participation
in many ways. I also trained with TEAM members and did the Breast Cancer
Fund Peak Hike on Mt. Tamalpais this fall." --Mary Louise Simon
"We
did it. We all finished. Every woman who entered the race, over eleven hundred
women finished the tri. Some were in their twenties. Some in their sixties,
seventies, maybe more. Many had won the challenge of cancer. They had survived
chemo and mastectomies and much more. And they came out this day and swam,
and cycled and walked or ran and finished. And best of all, they cheered
each other on and celebrated together!" -- Joyce Thompson. Read
more of Joyce's inspiring Danskin story...
"The
hardest part of dealing with thyroid cancer was the diagnosis phase. Though
I had just completed my very first marathon, exercise was the first thing
to go when I began to struggle with my thyroid troubles. The six months
from diagnosis to treatment (surgery) were stressful -- filled with uncertainty,
fear and confusion. In retrospect, that was when I needed exercise the most!
Now as a part of Team Survivor, I find strength and motivation in training
with others who have gone through similar experiences." -- Linda
Siegel