Recovery on Water

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Jenn Gibbons, left, is rowing and cycling around the 1,500 mile perimeter of Lake Michigan to promote exercise for breast cancer survivors and raise money for Recovery on Water. She is pictured this weekend with friend Kenn mcdonald, of Glen Arbor, who accompanied Gibbons Saturday as she rode through Leelanau County. Special to the Record-Eagle

July 30, 2012

Recovery on Water

By Carol South Special to the Record-Eagle The Record Eagle Mon Jul 30, 2012, 07:14 AM EDT

Surviving to help other survivors, Jenn Gibbons passed through the region this weekend during her 1,500-mile odyssey to "kick cancer's butt."

Last month the 27 year old launched a solo quest to row the perimeter of Lake Michigan. Her trek started and ends in Chicago where she lives, works and coaches rowing.

Gibbons is the founder and coach of Recovery on Water, a rowing team for breast cancer survivors. Her journey, dubbed row4ROW, will spread the word that exercise can help reduce the return of cancer while also raising money for the nonprofit Recovery on Water.

Gibbons began coaching breast cancer survivors four years ago in Chicago. She was inspired by a statistic that breast cancer survivors can reduce their risk of recurrence by 50 percent if they exercise. Now the Recovery on Water rowing team includes about 40 members and trains three times a week.

The row4ROW quest is designed to spread the message about exercise's vital role in survival. In addition, funds raised will provide scholarships and equipment for the ROW team.

"Twenty years ago they told you not to lift five pounds after surgery," said Gibbons, noting how things have changed dramatically for survivors.

Close friend Emily Senk appreciates Gibbons' dedication to helping other women. Gibbons is tackling her first ever long-distance rowing challenge, raising money to battle a disease to which she has no personal connection.

"I'm incredibly moved and inspired by Jenn's mission and her determination to fight breast cancer," said Senk, a 2000 graduate of Glen Lake High School now living in Chicago.

"I've never met anyone so devoted to a cause," she added. "I feel very lucky to call her a friend."

Since beginning her quest June 15, Gibbons has faced challenges that would stop many people. Each day on the water was physically arduous and mentally draining, even with a specially-designed boat that includes small living quarters. Along the Wisconsin shoreline she battled extreme weather that threw her off a scheduled 15-30 miles per day.

"Mentally is really a huge part," said Gibbons. "I think the hardest thing about this trip is basically every time I stop, I can just say, 'I've had enough, I'm done.'"

Gibbons has also coped with a family death and a sexual assault, both events temporarily halting her trip.

Attacked in the Upper Peninsula by a man believed to have tracked her via online updates, Gibbons decided to speak out publicly and received international press. The widespread support for her courage made Gibbons realize she is now also helping a different set of survivors.

After a few days of uncertainty, Gibbons resumed her journey with some changes. She has switched to biking until she reaches the Muskegon area, when she will again board her boat, Liv (which was towed there.) She hopes to row into Chicago by the end of August.

Gibbons also has close Michigan State Police protection and a constant, if changing, roster of supporters and friends accompanying her. She is never alone and no longer reveals her specific location and plans.

"I really had no idea the impact it would have when I decided to speak publicly," said Gibbons. "It's really hard to accept so much support, everyone wants to help me."

She has enjoyed company after many long days of solo rowing.

"It's very fun, it makes it fun to have new people to talk to," Gibbons said.

Another close friend and former co-worker Kenna McDonald, also a 2000 Glen Lake High School graduate, calls Gibbons "Amazing Jenn." McDonald, who lives in Glen Arbor and served on her Recovery on Water board, rode with Gibbons Saturday through Leelanau County.

"She really is just one of those types of people who the minute they walk into a room, it brightens," McDonald said.

For more information, see www.row4row.org and recoveryonwater.org.