A worthy cause

[Tronhard]

Back in Victoria BC, I have only just had time to review photos I took while in NZ. Much of my time was taken supporting my partner through her cancer treatment and rehab, but this presented me with an unexpected and interesting subject. Many people who have cancer operations, particularly those with breast cancer (and this can include men), need quite a bit of rehab. I was amazed at the various forms this took (all free thanks to a charitable organization): physiotherapy, massage therapy, aroma therapy (my partner was not convinced about that one but came out in tears having been relieved of stress she didn't know she had) and paddle boarding!

This latter activity was available to those who have got past the basic recovery from the operation itself, and the premise is that in paddle boarding one is using all the major muscle groups, and doing so in a way that improves coordination, proprioception and muscle tone of the core and limbs. She had to undergo tests to ensure that she was a suitable candidate, one of those being to stand on a half sphere and have balls thrown at the candidate from all angles. She passed and I got to take her down to the main yachting basin just to the west of the Auckland City centre.


The placid basin where the training took place

This was all done by a new group that found funding for the boards and means to carry them to site. Volunteer trainers donated their time to make this all work. On the first day everyone was given a briefing on technique, and did exercises to limber up and then it was down to the water to master the first challenge - getting on without falling in...


The primary instructor leads the way and demonstrates technique

Everyone was new to this, and watching these women, who had endured so much I was humbled by the light that soon glowed in their faces as they stepped outside of their comfort zones to do something that was not about returning to what they were, but was an exercise in extending themselves and achieving a goal they probably never expected. I felt I had to take photos of them as I was the only partner who attended the sessions, and I gave them the pictures as a keepsake. The following are just a couple of that set.


One of the younger initiates, brand new to the sport, quickly got the hang of the basic technique and was soon powering along...


My own partner was champing at the bit and soon was glowing with enthusiasm.

They get 8 free lessons, then a discount to go to commercial paddle board companies if they want to continue with the activity. This has now become a goal for my partner: to get a paddle board and make this a long-term thing for her.

It is inspiring to see these brave souls not only fighting cancer, but using the opportunities presented to enhance their quality of life. Perhaps that is a lesson for us all... make the most of every day, we often forget that until we think those days are numbered.

[marlunn]

Brilliant and thank you for sharing, lovely to see the smile and happiness in your partners face given the information you have shared. An excellent therapy and by the looks on her face her new sport - my best wishes to both of you for the future.

[Shadowman]

Nicely chronicled and captured.

[bnnrcn]

Best wishes to your partner Trev. Thanks for sharing the photos of such a meaningful event

[Rita]

Hope things continue to go well for her.