Origin of Pink Challengers

It was at one of our regular monthly sharing sessions in 2004 that Ranjit Kaur, BCWA's President asked if the members were keen to witness a Dragon Boat Race. The occasion was the 25th Penang International Dragon Boat Festival. Six breast cancer survivors and six supporters from the South Australia Dragon Abreast Team were paddling in one of the races. Thus on 19 June 2004, 22 breast cancer survivors and supporters took an early no frills flight to Penang. We watched in awe and cheered as the women paddled in rhythm with the beat of the drum at Teluk Bahang Dam, Penang.

Highlight of the event was a Fellowship Seminar, in which breast cancer survivors from Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor met with other Australians and Singaporean survivors. Lynn Hill of the South Australia Dragons Abreast and Angelina Ong from Breast Cancer Foundation Singapore shared the history of the setting up of their respective teams. That very night, amidst some lovely red wine, the BCWA ladies decided to set up a team.

There were many difficulties faced - we needed a coach, boats and most importantly breast cancer survivors who would not mind the sun or the water! After four months of deliberations and cajoling of team players, we had our first dry land training in February 2005.

A month later, we obtained permission from Putrajaya Holdings to use their boats at the Putrajaya Lake Club. Thus in March 2005, the PINK CHALLENGERS, Malaysia's first Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat Team started our first water training. In June 2005, the team was off to their first race - the 26th Penang International Dragon Boat Festival. It did not matter how long it took to finish the race (and it did take us "forever"), we had already "won" simply by completing the race itself!

The team members were hooked and participated in more races since then. They train relentlessly and persistently every weekend under their dedicated Coach Azhari Hussen or fondly known as Harry, who has been their official coach for four years. Other than races, Pink Challengers are also avid in organising various activities to raise awareness on breast health and breast cancer.

Up to date, Pink Challengers comprises of 18 members. The team now stand by the theme "Paddle for Courage, Strength and Change" that they hope to give support and encouragement to those who are in the same boat - journeying through the breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery and concurrently show the world that there is indeed a meaningful and fulfilling life even after cancer.

Viva La Pink Challengers!