Bio of the Month

Meet Felicia Buell

 

 

 

 

I I heard about The MOV’n Dragons shortly after they first formed, but it took me awhile to get the courage to call and ask some questions about the group. I had never belonged to a sports team and had little experience with paddling. I was looking for an activity to help me get back in shape after my own breast cancer treatments. I’m glad I made the call.

Over the course of that first summer I realized how physically depleted I had become. The endurance and strength needed for paddling was a real challenge to my upper body. My teammates encouraged me though. “Keep coming back, it gets easier”, they said. “Do what you can for now and build on it”, they said. I realized I just had to show up and try. So I did.

Before my second season I was better prepared. My family had come together to purchase a small rowing machine for me to help strengthen the core and back muscles needed for paddling. And as soon as the weather became tolerable I walked….and walked, and walked. What a difference. That summer flew by, as have many more since, and I have made lifelong friends in the boat.

Chopping the water with that paddle, or pounding the drum to keep the strokes in unison, helps me feel empowered, strong – like a warrior, a fighter. The return of cancer is the main fear of every cancer survivor. I know I don’t have to face it alone and I am lifted up in spirit simply by being a part of this team. What a treasure it is to have this team in Marietta and I am forever grateful.

Although I lived away from Marietta for most of my adult life, it has been home again since 2003. My cat, Valentine, rescued me from my first rounds of chemo in 2004, and continues to do so through my current treatments. I enjoy gardening and home improvements. Love to make my own canned salsa and homemade bread for friends. I have every intention of getting back to practicing massage again once this latest cancer is sent running into remission. With the help of the MOV’n Dragons and my wonderful family the future is bright!


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