Beth Schumacher Seat: 1L Position: Pacer

Posted September 29, 2009, 3:25 pm

1.   Tell us about the best time you ever had as a Pink Dragon Boat paddler.

This entire venture of Pink Dragon Boat racing has been so fabulous to watch unfold; however, our first official TEAM practice in Tavares would be a definite highlight. We have been anticipating our first TEAM boat practice for several months now. A few of us have been to Tampa and paddled under the fabulous training of the Tampa Pink Dragon Ladies. They are such an inspiration! I hope we can become a team like theirs - a real sisterhood of support, encouragement, kindness and history!

The excitement and adventure of being together as a team - on the water - was thrilling to say the least.  We have all been "bitten" by the Dragon and look forward to our first official race at Disney!

         

2. What are your hobbies or passions? When you're not paddling, what do you like to do?

My favorite passion is time spent with family. We are active in our church, Trinity Lutheran Downtown, and are surrounded by people we love. 

I enjoy being outside whether it is swimming, playing tennis or going to the beach. We have a cabin in North Carolina that is our refuge, a beautiful tranquil place to relax, hike and explore. Being surrounded by family and friends makes me very happy!

3.   What famous person – past or present – would you like to have dinner with?

David Robinson! Why? He stands for everything good in this world - a man of faith, character, kindness and discipline. God is at the center with family and friends wrapped around! Where? I would love to have him over for Sunday dinner!

4.   Who has had the most powerful influence on you?

Hands down - my dad! Why? He taught us kids by example - how to live life!

Always encouraging and supportive, he (along with Mom) was our biggest fan. 

He challenged me to grasp every opportunity, whether it was learning a new sport, art projects, joining clubs and especially reaching out to help others. It has been seven years since cancer took him from his earthly home. I miss him everyday. He taught us to keep God as our center, the driving force for daily living.

         

5.   Tell us about your family.

I have been blessed with a wonderful husband of 29 years, two beautiful daughters whom I cherish every minute of every day, and in the last two years, the addition of two fabulous sons-in-law. Our extended family numbers 25 to 30 when we are all together - and that is often - celebrating all sorts of holidays and special occasions. I am so lucky!

6.   What does being a Pink Dragon Lady mean to you?

I love this question! This is one of the most fabulous opportunities I have been a part of!  The foundation we are building for past, present and current breast cancer survivors is incredible. We are building confidence, awareness, support in friendships and BC recovery, and letting those around us know that life is fuller, more meaningful and holds endless possibilities for us mentally, physically and spiritually. Did we want this cancer diagnosis? Certainly not!  Are we better off now that we have faced this challenge, survived and now thrive? ABSOLUTELY!

 

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