The Kootenay Robusters recently ended their 2012 paddling season with a Carnation Ceremony at Christina Lake. Once a year, the team has a tradition of pausing to remember members who have passed away, to encourage those who are presently fighting to restore their health and to renew their commitment the goals of the team. These are: to experience physical, emotional, spiritual and mental wellness at a level that is comfortable but personally challenging. Through the paddling experience, Robusters aim to raise awareness and to demonstrate the uplifting truth that there is life after breast cancer.
After a moment of silence to remember the eight team members who have passed away and the many others who never had the opportunity to join the team, Robusters tossed pink carnations into the water as they sang the words to Garth Brooks’ ballad “The River.”