Members of the Knot A Breast dragon boat racing team and co-chairs of the auction steering committee, Evelyn Michener, left, and Ruth Meerveld.

The Knot A Breast dragon boat racing team goes through their paces.

They're characters to be sure - the female and male paddlers who ply the waters of adventure and fun as members of the Hamilton-based Knot A Breast dragon boat racing team.

Compassionate and caring they come from all walks of life. They began as strangers with only one link, breast cancer, and have grown stronger as individuals and as a team.

"We are dedicated to living life to the fullest and to showing others that life after breast cancer can be wonderful," says Beamsville team member Ruth Meerveld.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. "We're just trying to get the word out that our team is open to anyone who has had breast cancer and that there is hope after such a diagnosis," Meerveld said.

Meerveld and team member Evelyn Michener of Grimsby, co-chairs of the auction committee, are looking forward to meeting the community at a Silent and Live Auction to be held October 18 at the Mountainview Christian Reformed Church Auditorium in Grimsby.

Proceeds from the event will help support the team to participate in the dragon boat racing festivals that support numerous charities and have taken them from Stratford, Toronto and London to Vancouver and points east.

"Our team is very involved in the community. We are available to speak at events, participate in fundraising initiatives and offer support to those who might be having difficulties with their diagnoses, treatments or any other aspect of their disease or recovery," Meerveld said. "We have all been there and are experts collectively in these areas."

Local team members also include original member and team manager Charmaine Wickett of Beamsville, Judy-Anne Sleep of Grimsby, Dinah Bechmanis, Beamsville, Sue McCullough, Grimsby and Lorraine Martin, Beamsville.

The team is open to anyone who has had breast cancer. They train out of the YMCA in Hamilton from January to April, then move their base to the Macassa Bay Yacht Club at Bayfront Park on the Burlington Bay during the summer months. "Macassa Bay has been very generous to us," Meerveld said.

At festivals they're up against anywhere from 45 to 200 teams, first paddling with the entire group, then competing against four to 12 teams in the breast cancer challenge.

Canadian Dr. Don McKenzie launched the first dragon boat team in 1996 as part of a study to debunk the belief that women with breast cancer should not do repetitive upper body exercise because it might cause or exacerbate lymphodema. Since then, 50 teams have formed across Canada and 48 teams worldwide.

Starting with a very small group of survivors, Knot A Breast was formed in 1998. Kathy Levy, a team coach and founder, has served as team inspiration and steersperson since the team started. "She is very dynamic and has really been the driving force behind the team."

The paddlers made their first splash at Hamilton's Macassa Bay Yacht Club that spring and has grown to include 70 women and two men from across the Golden Horseshoe, including Orangeville, Hamilton, Burlington, Beamsville, Grimsby, and St. Catharines. Team members range between 25 to 70 years old.

Michener has been paddling since 2001. "They're a wonderful group of women, helping, caring and compassionate."

Meerveld joined the team in 2002. "It's been a great way to stay fit and challenge myself. Connecting with this dynamic group of people has been a real blessing to me."

"We're very appreciative of the support from the west Niagara community."

The October 18 live and silent auctions will feature hundreds of items large and small, from golf packages and weekend getaways to original paintings and a Simmons Beauty Rest pillow top non-flip bed. Professional auctioneer Nello Romagnoli will direct the action with MC Connie Smith of CHCH News. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the church located at 290 Main St. E. in Grimsby. The live auction begins at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the event are $5 and include light refreshments and door prizes. The team welcomes donations of items for the auction and will gladly pick them up - large or small. For tickets please call Evelyn at 905-563-0785 or Charmaine at 905-549-9242. The website is www.knotabreast.net.