Abreast In A Boat

Abreast In A Boat was established in 1996 by Dr. Don McKenzie, a sports medicine physician at the University of British Columbia, to test the myth that repetitive upper-body exercise in women treated for breast cancer encourages lymphedema. Dr McKenzie believed that by following a special exercise and training program, women could avoid lymphedema and enjoy active, full lives. As we followed his program, we were carefully monitored by a sports medicine physician, a physiotherapist and a nurse. Dr McKenzie's theory was proven correct. No new cases of lymphedema occurred and none of the existing cases became worse. From a medical study involving one boat of 25 women in 1996, the organization has now grown to include five boats based in Vancouver and has inspired many other teams to form. Read articles about the medical history of Abreast In A Boat in the Canadian Medical Association Journal: August 1998 | October 1996 We paddle to raise breast cancer awareness and to demonstrate that women living with breast cancer can lead full and active lives.