In 1998 Mieke became a charter member of Bosom Buddies of Nova Scotia, the first dragon boat team for breast cancer survivorsin the Atlantic Provinces.
She served on the team’s executive in manypositions such as treasurer, president, team operations chair and for severalyears was the team captain.
Mieke was instrumental in planning and organizingBosom Buddies of NS annual fund raiser “Blueberry Shortcake in an Artful Garden”.For the past ten years this fund raiser has been extremely successful, not onlyin generating funds for the team but also bringing in new members. In addition,this fundraiser created visibility and recognition to the general public about dragonboating for breast cancer survivors.
Mieke is very grateful for discoveringdragon boating as it has brought her many lasting friendships and enormouspleasure in the sport, not to mention the feeling of health, wellbeing and the strengthshe gained through vigorous exercising. Being a very active person, when sheisn’t paddling in a dragon boat you will find her biking with friends,practicing yoga, tending her garden or creating a new piece of work in herpottery studio.
Mieke was diagnosed with breast cancer in1985 and we all remember what it felt like to receive that diagnosis for thefirst time. In 2009 she once again received the news, this time colon cancer.Now she says that every day is a blessing every moment a gift.
As one of six Canadian National Representatives,Mieke is enthusiastically taking on her responsibility for the Provinces ofQuebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.