Rowing to Recovery

Rowing to Recovery (R2R) is a physical support group for people facing serious health challenges like cancer, Parkinson’s, vision and hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, neurodivergent diagnosis, and etc. As a group, participants meet 2-3 times a week (weather dependent) to scull (using two oars) in singles and doubles and move boats and gear into and out of the water properly & safely, which would be impossible without the group effort due to individual conditions. R2R teaches proper body mechanics and posture to ensure participants gain balance, coordination, core strength, endurance, and self-confidence, equipping them to further deal with their respective diseases and their well-being.

The objective of R2R is to provide the opportunity to scull in a safe and inclusive environment with a mixture of experienced master, intermediate, and novice intergenerational rowers with myriad disabilities so that we can collaboratively help each other to succeed in rowing. The joy participants feel is infectious and is often accompanied by building self-confidence and determination to face the difficulties of living day to day with the manifestations of our disease processes and the effects and outcomes of the treatments.

Participants in R2R are part of their communities as patients, caregivers, neighbors, volunteers, boards, etc. — We set an example in our community of remarkable strength, forbearance, courage, and joy. We have taken one of the most difficult sports available and made it possible for people who have never participated in a group activity like this, who have feelings of self-doubt, that their bodies have failed them, despite having made healthy lifestyle choices. We help them develop a new perspective, focus, and a belief in themselves when they realize they can propel themselves across a body of water in a 27-foot shell with 9-foot-long oars. At the same time, the wind blows through their hair, the sun rises on their face, they hear the sounds of nature all around them, and they feel reborn. This sense of empowerment improves people's mental health, relieving stress and hopelessness, which research has shown has a direct effect on physical health. Rowers are taught to focus on being present, and mindfulness becomes a constant state.

R2R meshes master rowers sharing both their passion and experience whilst living through grief and health challenges, with new rowers having similar struggles of recovery from progressive, degenerative diseases and/or the aftermath of their treatments. Rowing utilizes approximately 86 percent of our muscles without taxing our joints. Participating in and learning the sport of rowing brings about improved balance, strength, coordination, willpower, and meditation - all of which lead to improved quality of life, better ability to deal with anticipated health setbacks, complications, and difficulties while rowing with like-minded people.

We will measure these impacts through surveys and qualitative data collected at the end of the season. In time, we would like to prove through research that rowing is an evidence-based practice for people improving their mental, physical, and spiritual health.

If you are interested in joining us, please send me an email, text, or call.

Sheila Mulcahy, Founder of Rowing to Recovery

Retired Oncology and Emergency, RN, BSN

email: she.mulcahy@gmail.com

mobile: 508-648-4409

Sheila lives with incurable and advanced cancer; like many of the participants in Rowing to Recovery, she represents the strength and ability that can come from living a purposeful life while living with a terminal illness. She models what the program embodies and encourages people to embrace life through mindfulness, meditation, and a holistic practice.

USRowing Certified Coaches: Brett Fournier, Alyse Demary

Indoor Rowing: Mondays and Wednesdays 8:30-9:30 am

1175 Old Stage Rd., Centerville (a private residence)

Outdoor Rowing: Lake Wequaquet, Centerville 7:30-9:00 am

Days to be determined