‘Better late than never': Breast cancer survivors prepare for U.K. regatta

A group of local women is preparing to take on one of the world’s most prestigious rowing events — something they say their younger selves never could have imagined.

The team, based at the Whitemarsh Boat Club in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is made up entirely of breast cancer survivors who discovered rowing only after they were diagnosed.

Now, they’re training on the Schuylkill River and gearing up for a regatta in England this July.

Emily Nelson said she found the sport through social media, where she was searching for connection after her diagnosis.

“On social media I saw something that combined rowing and breast cancer community and that was the silver lining for getting a breast cancer diagnosis, so I thought better late than never,” Nelson said.

The program, called We Can Row, has already taken the women to major competitions, including the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston. Their coach, Matt Sidlowski, said the team’s dedication stands out.

“We don’t even use the word cancer in our practices really at all. It’s not defining for them,” Sidlowski said.

Sidlowski added that the group is highly competitive — and highly coachable — despite coming to the sport later in life.

The team is now working to raise money for its trip overseas and is seeking community support and corporate sponsors.

“We are really in need of some Philly love. We really need some sponsors,” rower Susan Ryan said.

While the team has found success on the water, the women say their biggest victory came long before they picked up an oar — beating cancer and building a supportive community.

They hope their journey encourages others facing illness to focus on recovery and pursue new passions.

“We’ve gotta stretch our wings, man, because tomorrow is not guaranteed, so get out there today and live your life, love your family and friends and community,” Ryan said.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.