Pink Gloves for a Purpose: Supporting Survivor Rowing Network

This October, The Crew Stop is excited to launch our new pink gloves in partnership with Survivor Rowing Network! These limited-edition gloves will be available in November, and you can pre-order your pair here to secure yours.

Throughout October, 20% of profits from pink gloves and 5% of profits from all other products will be donated to Survivor Rowing Network to support their mission.

Survivor Rowing Network

Founded in 2023 by Beth and Russ Kohl, Survivor Rowing Network is working to make rowing more accessible to cancer survivors everywhere. Its mission is to:

“Create a world where every cancer survivor has access to a supportive global community and the opportunity to rebuild strength, confidence, and purpose through rowing and erging.”

Survivor Rowing Network partners with rowing clubs and communities around the world to launch and grow survivor rowing programs, both on the water and on the erg. A cancer diagnosis and its aftermath can be isolating. Recovery can feel uncertain, and finding a supportive community through rowing can make a meaningful difference.

Rowing builds strength. Restores confidence. Creates connection.

Physical activity can also play an important role in life after cancer, yet many survivors face barriers to getting started. Survivor Rowing Network works to help bridge that gap by connecting survivors with welcoming programs, supportive coaches, and a community that understands their experiences.

The impact of these programs is best told by the people who have experienced them firsthand.

Amy's Story:

I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. After surgery, I joined the inaugural SRC SurviveOARS program in 2016. In 2018, my cancer returned, requiring more surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

As scary as that experience was, going through it with the support and encouragement of my fellow SurviveOARS was a game changer. It almost made the experience feel “easier” than my first time around.

I erged and rowed throughout my treatment, and when I couldn't, I rode in the launch or sat out. Being surrounded by women who understood what I was going through and knew how to support me was beyond comforting.

Despite being a diverse group of women, the bonds forged through this program have been life-changing.

Lisa's Story: 

During my breast cancer treatment, I was in the office of APRN Mary Heery at Norwalk Hospital when I saw a picture of happy, joyful women rowing. I asked her who they were, and she told me about the SurviveOARS rowing team that practiced out of Saugatuck Rowing Club. The rest is history!

I already knew about the sport from watching rowers on the Hudson River while attending culinary school and through my husband, Frank, who is a rower. I thought it was the coolest sport and hoped I would one day have the chance to try it.

Learning to row was the silver lining of my breast cancer experience. I was shy and nervous when I first met the team, but the women and their coach were so welcoming, supportive, and enthusiastic that I felt comfortable immediately.

The community, love, and unwavering support of this team are things I want everyone who has dealt with cancer to experience. Knowing that people were waiting for me early in the morning on certain days of the week gave me purpose and inspiration as I came out of my cancer journey and tried to piece my life back together after months of being told where I needed to be, when I needed to be there, and what treatment I would receive.

Rowing with this team is a dream come true. I hope to connect with others looking for something to help them recover their health, rebuild their lives, and find genuine joy again.

I am forever grateful to SurviveOARS Rowing, Survivor Rowing Network, and everyone who has made this possible.

Janet's Story: 

When I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2019, I made a promise to myself: to keep living life to the fullest.

While searching for a way to stay active during treatment, I discovered WeCanRow Philly. I still remember that first Wednesday practice five years ago and how hesitant I felt about facing the unknown. But by staying true to my promise and pushing myself forward, I took a step that led me to embrace rowing.

I find it deeply inspiring to be surrounded by women who support and encourage one another while reminding me of the strength we all carry within. Through this program, I've built lifelong friendships, discovered a passion for rowing, and found a resilience in myself that continues to carry me forward.

In our second year, that passion inspired my friends and me to enter regattas, starting with Diamond State and Kings Head. Last year, we had the honor of racing in the inaugural Head of the Charles Survivor Event. The experience was unforgettable! As we rowed toward the start, cheers from the riverbanks echoed around us, reminding us that being part of this event was about something much bigger than ourselves.

This year, I celebrate six years of living with cancer. The discipline and perseverance I've developed through rowing help me show up, stay strong, and keep going, no matter what.

Help Us Grow the Survivor Rowing Community

Every cancer survivor deserves the opportunity to experience the strength, connection, and joy that rowing can bring. Through our partnership with Survivor Rowing Network, The Crew Stop is proud to help make that opportunity available to more people. Donations will help launch new programs, fund Learn to Row events, train coaches, and create more opportunities for survivors to row together, both on the water and on the erg.

Every donation helps build a stronger community, one seat at a time.

Want to make a difference? Fund a seat and help Survivor Rowing Network grow.