West Sacramento – In the calm of the Sacramento River, a group of determined athletes is turning oars into a lifeline for cancer survivors. ROWsist, a rowing program founded by cancer survivor Shari Lowen, meets twice weekly at River City Rowing Club to give members a chance to focus, stay active, and find community while battling disease.
Rowing as a refuge
Laura Ousley, a participant who was diagnosed with colon cancer that spread to her liver in May 2022, describes how the sport forces her mind into “that athletic zone” where distractions fade. “When you are rowing, you have to concentrate, and you have to listen, so you’re in that zone, that athletic zone, so your mind can’t go to other places,” she said. Even after chemotherapy leaves her hair gone, the water offers a place where teammates see her for who she is, not just her illness.
Coaches see grit and gratitude
Coach Jeanie Mascia calls Ousley “an inspiration” and notes the team’s overall positivity despite the hardships each member has faced. “Sometimes it does surprise me that they are so positive, but it makes sense. They’ve gone through what I can only assume is a very challenging and traumatic experience, and I think it has changed their outlook,” Mascia said.
Assistant coach Sheryl Leamer adds, “These women have been through horrendous things, some of them. Like, parts of their bodies have been removed and rearranged. They take a licking and keep on ticking.” The motto “Row for life” captures that resilient spirit.
Medical battles continue
While many ROWsist members are in remission, Ousley’s cancer has spread to her lungs and doctors consider the tumors inoperable. Her current goal is to stabilize or shrink the tumors through monthly chemotherapy. “I would not choose this if I didn’t have to do it,” she said, acknowledging the difficulty of her treatment schedule. Yet she returns to the water just two days after each chemo session, embodying the program’s belief that perseverance matters.
Founding a purpose
Shari Lowen, who survived cancer in 2021, created ROWsist after asking her health‑care provider, “How can I get back into rowing?” The program now provides a structured, supportive environment for anyone facing cancer, whether they are newly diagnosed or living with long‑term disease.
Community impact
Beyond physical fitness, ROWsist offers emotional support. Participants share stories, celebrate milestones, and lean on each other during tough treatment days. The program’s presence on the river also raises awareness among local onlookers about the challenges cancer survivors face and the power of community‑driven health initiatives.
As the team rows together, they demonstrate that faith in one’s own strength, the encouragement of teammates, and the simple rhythm of a stroke can help turn a daunting diagnosis into a journey of hope.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
