Breast cancer survivor tackles emotional first Paddle in Paradise

It was an emotional day on the water at the sixth annual dragon boat races in Paradise on Saturday especially so for first-time rower and cancer survivor Colleen Field.

The event at Octagon Pond was organized by the Avalon Dragons, a team filled withbreast cancer survivors.

According to organizers Hannah Hanlon and Rose O'Neill, it was a successful dayand proof of how far they've come.

"When we started six years ago, we started with eight teams. Today we're up to 35 teams," O'Neill said.

"We paddle twice a week on Octagon Pond and we just love it."

For Field, a recentbreast cancer survivor,this washer first competition sincejoining the Avalon Dragons.

"It's been the most wonderful thing I could ever imagine. A wonderful group of ladies. They've just made me get outside and want to participate in something I've never [done] before," she said.

Field completed chemotherapy and radiation treatments earlier this yearand herfamily was right there cheering her on as she completed Saturday'srace.

"It just means everything because they've been so supportive over this past year," she said.

"It's just great to be out for something fun and I am just so happy they are all here."

The Avalon Dragons now have 70 members and 7 boats in their possession.

Funds raised from the Dragon Boat races will go towardsbuilding a permanent boathouse on Octagon Pond.

The hope is that once the boathouse is complete, the Dragons willhave a place to store their boats and grow the sport even further.

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