Robin Campbell Hutchinson Seat: Stern Position: Steersperson

Posted September 29, 2009, 3:04 pm

1. Why is it important to you to be on the Pink Dragon Boat team?

In June of 2008, I was in one of my oncology offices and saw a flyer asking if people were interested in joining a dragon boat team for breast cancer patients. I have always tried to help support cancer patients in Central Florida, since this is the area I cover for work. Upon calling Shelia Mott, the woman's name on the flyer, and asking her about this dragon boat concept, I learned a whole new water sport. I also discovered that Shelia was driving from Volusia County to Tampa to practice with the Pink Dragon Ladies.

After learning of her commitment to be able to be a part of a very special support group that floats, I offered to help her with starting a team in Central Florida to be closer to her home. When I went to Tampa to see a practice, boat, pink paddles and a glorious group of incredible women, I knew I had to help get a team started in Central Florida. Each year I have initiated or participated in programs for the cancer community in Central Florida. This past 15 months I have focused my energies to help to get this team together.

2. What activities or hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. They are the most important aspect of my life. My hobbies include the gym, walking, racket ball, snow skiing, mission work and traveling. Now included in my list is dragon boating with this great group of ladies.

3. If you could have dinner with a famous person, who would it be?

Kenny G. His music has soothed our house for decades.

4. Who is the person that has had the biggest influence in your life?

My parents have had the biggest on my life. Their love and guidance have been the rock and foundation for my life. They instilled loyalty, integrity, honor, values, patients, and a love for God and my country. They have showed me how to see the world as a beautiful place and make sure to cherish family and friends. They have taught me that faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.

5. What would you like the team and WPFT to know about you or those in your life?

That my husband and I have four wonderful daughters. We spent a great deal of time traveling with them when they were younger. We have a motor home and had traveled from Canada to the Keys. My youngest daughter is at the University of Alabama so our household are BAMA, Roll Tide fans and not Gator fans. I am very fortunate to still have both my parents and my mother will be the designer for WPFT Art of Fine Dining.

I am an Oncology Rep for Sanofi-Aventis and have been in the field for 25 years. This has been a great blessing to allow flexibility to raise my children when they were young. Since I have been in this industry I have seen major advances in cancer care. When I started in this industry, there was very little help and hope for some cancer patients. Science has discovered that there are many types of breast cancer and they must be treated differently, but as a result, women live who otherwise would have died. A child diagnosed 25 years ago with leukemia only had a 4% chance to survive but now that rate is pushing 90%.