It was a lovely event with great weather, creative titbits, and a specially crafted individual birthday cake. In 2004, Joyce was diagnosed with breast cancer. So began the long journey, through lumpectomy surgery and radiation, to wellness.
Several years later, she spotted a dragonboat “full of pinkies” through her binoculars and remarked to her husband, “That looks like fun; I would like to do that!”
She recounts seeing an article in a local paper asking Breast Cancer survivors to come and paddle. The phone call was made, and two days later, Joyce had her first training in the boat and has been paddling ever since!
She recently returned with our team after competing in the Cooloola Coast Regatta.
Joyce embraces life with a beaming smile and an unparalleled zest for life. Whether we are doing an International Women’s Day walk or a fundraiser for cancer, she is always an energetic contender.
As a previous gymnast in her youth, playing ground sports, tennis and squash, she has an ongoing determination to keep fit and paddle on!
Her enthusiasm is infectious. In 2023, as the oldest competitor, Joyce attended the IBCPC International Regatta in NZ, where she engaged with and earned the admiration of many international teams. She hopes to compete in 2026 at the IBCPC event in Aux Les Bains, Lake Bourget, France.
After cutting her cake, in an emotional few words, Joyce thanked everyone for the camaraderie, the friendship, the love and the sisterhood of support in a club where she was “ever, ever, ever so proud to be a member”.
We welcome all, not just Breast Cancer survivors, their supporters and those with a like-minded ethos, to come and join us in paddling in the beautiful Pumicestone Passage.
Contact 0493096377