Blind Breast Cancer Survivor Finds Strength in Dragon boat Racing

OLAVARRÍA, Argentina (April‍ 5, 2025) — Roxana Ianello, a breast cancer survivor⁤ from Tigre, spent the weekend in Olavarría sharing her story of resilience adn finding joy⁢ in dragon boat racing. Ianello, who is blind, is believed ‍to be the onyl survivor of blind breast ⁣cancer in ‍the world actively participating in the sport.

Ianello’s positive attitude is evident, even when discussing the challenges she has faced. Last September, she joined ⁣the Rosas de Plata (Silver Roses) ⁤dragon boat team in Tigre. “I called them,and during⁣ the phone ⁢interview,I had ⁣to tell them,’Look,I’m blind,'” Ianello said. “They opened ⁣their doors to me, and I’m ‍happy to be there.”

She participates in awareness talks⁣ and events with the team, including Chinese New Year celebrations and regattas in Quilmes. “The⁢ Silver Roses are fighters, like everyone ⁢hear, who want to help women and men going ‍through the same thing,” she explained. “They fill me with joy. They’re always happy, they joke around, they guide me, asking about my disability, how I navigate, how I know where things are if I can’t see them. We all learn from each other.”

Ianello emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the team. “We all contribute: some like to⁢ compete, some like to ⁣dance, some like to make jokes,” she said. “It’s our ⁢third time together, and we had a ⁤great time.”

Finding Freedom on the Water

For Ianello, dragon boat racing‍ offers a sense of normalcy and ⁣belonging. “I love it.My goal was to get on the boat and not have anyone know who I am from the outside,” she said.⁤ “Not becuase of ‘Oh,poor thing,she can’t see,’ but because in the boat,I feel the same as everyone else. I listen carefully to what’s happening, and we understand each other through ‍the sound of the drum.” She recalled being introduced at ⁣a Chinese New Year event as the only blind person in the world enjoying the experience with them.

During her visit to Olavarría, Ianello participated in talks and spent time with members of the “pink wave,”‍ a support group for breast cancer⁣ survivors.⁣ The group also surprised her with a tandem bike ride through Olavarría.

An Example of Resilience

While Ianello shies away from being ⁣labeled an example, she ‍acknowledges her⁤ unique position. “I know that I am the only blind survivor of breast cancer who paddles in a dragon boat, and I believe I am also in the 40 countries that have breast cancer survivor dragon boat teams,” she said.

Her message to others facing cancer⁢ is one of encouragement and proactive ⁤care.⁣ “It serves to tell a person who is going through cancer to be encouraged, to take⁣ care, don’t ⁤stay. The most critically important thing is time, not cancer. Hurry to be treated and if it is with any disability, the limits are put by one,” she reflected.

Ianello, who has had limited vision as childhood, has always pursued her goals. “I am aware, for example, that I cannot handle, but also of a lot of things⁤ that can be done,” she added.

Seeking Support When Needed

Ianello also spoke about seeking professional help when needed. “Only once I went to a psychologist, when he grabbed me⁣ a panic attack before finding out that I⁢ had cancer, because ⁣I was ⁤with many problems at work⁤ and other things. And I believe that mood influences this pathology.”

Reflecting on her cancer journey, Ianello sees ⁤it as an ‍possibility ‍for growth. “Cancer gives another opportunity to learn and continue,” she said.

She emphasized the importance of a strong support system, particularly her family.⁣ “I have two daughters who were more girls ⁢and we asked ourselves ‘how we do’, ‘what we tell them’ and with the support of the family we leave. I believe that the things that appear to⁢ us are as we will be able to overcome them. We have to find how”.

Ianello concluded with ⁣a message of hope: “Everyone who is going through a cancer, that he is not waiting, that ‍he is not afraid. ⁣The time is essential. That he occupies, that as soon as he grasps it it⁣ is⁤ better and as ⁢a doctor said, it is not necessary‍ to say ‘I do not go to ⁣the ⁤doctor.⁣ Life itself, to ⁢do what makes them happy and if an obstacle appears, that they⁣ always‍ see how to follow. ”