THE JOURNEY OF RECOVERY ON WATER

 
 
ROW’S MISSION

Recovery on Water (ROW) is more than just a rowing team; it’s a lifeline. We empower breast cancer patients and survivors—including female-identifying and nonbinary individuals—by offering a unique opportunity to interact, become active in their recovery, and gain support from their peers. At ROW, we believe in the power of movement, both on the water and in life.

Filmed and produced by Chris Sato

OUR VALUES

WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF SPORT.

It is a valuable tool, capable of improving fitness and quality of life for patients and survivors of breast cancer. Rowing is a low-impact sport that utilizes the whole body and is accessible to all, regardless of fitness level.

WE VALUE TEAMWORK.

While we know that a boat is made up of many individuals, we come together and row as one.

We put the team first. Through partnerships and relationships, we will create stronger, healthier communities with our boathouse partners, our Bridgeport neighbors, and the greater South Side area.

WE CELEBRATE DIVERSITY.

Our team and board are ethnically and socioeconomically diverse.

We believe this makes us stronger, more open minded, more empathetic and most capable of changing lives. We value all survivors, those who come to us as athletes and those who do not.

WE AIM FOR QUALITY.

We are thoughtful stewards, results oriented and data driven. We are constantly evolving our impact based on the needs of those we serve.

WE VALUE COMMITMENT IN ALL THE FORMS IT TAKES.

Showing up and working hard is essential. For some, commitment is attending practices regularly, for others it is fundraising or volunteerism. All are necessary and equally appreciated.

WE AIM TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATION.

We want ROW to serve patients and survivors for years to come. We achieve this through the leadership of the board, creating a diverse funding pool, and establishing ongoing relationships with breast cancer treatment centers. 

 
OUR BEGINNINGS

In 2007, a shared vision brought Recovery on Water (ROW) to life, sparked by the determination of Sue Ann Glaser and Jenn Gibbons. Sue Ann’s journey began when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2007. Facing the physical and emotional challenges of her diagnosis, she longed for a way to stay active and connect with others facing similar struggles. The idea of forming a rowing team specifically for breast cancer survivors struck a chord with her.

Soon after, Sue Ann met Jenn, a rowing coach who was equally passionate about creating a space where women could find strength and support through rowing. Just six weeks later, ROW was born—a Chicago-based rowing program dedicated to breast cancer survivors. What started as a dream quickly became a reality, with the first practice held in 2008.

Since then, ROW has blossomed into a model of what post-cancer support can look like, offering year-round rowing and fitness programs that empower breast cancer patients and survivors to get fit, fight back against cancer, and rediscover the joy of life. ROW is not just about exercise; it’s about building a community that helps individuals regain control over their bodies and lives post-diagnosis.

 
“The community is wonderful, and rowing is a really fun sport to learn. It’s a great way to gain support and a sense of control over your body again post-cancer. Breast cancer treatment is harsh, traumatizing, and lonely. ROW is a team of women in recovery—healing together through rowing and exercise.”
— ROW Member
 
 
SUPPORT OUR MISSION

Your generosity fuels our work.
Donate today to help us continue providing this life-changing program to breast cancer patients and survivors in need.

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