The high-level athlete and co-founder of the Hope Team East association wants to convince people with cancer to allow them to support and share their experience.
Originally from Landes, Stephanie Barney earned her lifeguard certification at age 18. He fights to patrol the beaches of the ocean rather than the lake, a less dangerous place more often assigned to women. His excellent swimming proved him right, he honed his skills on a rescue team in France and flew to Australia to learn new techniques. Today, he manages the training of rescue swimmers and the monitoring of first aid stations in the Landes for the 25 municipalities that monitor beaches and lakes. In other words, 424 rescuers and 58 first aid stations. An exceptional career in a journey full of pitfalls. At the age of 48, Stephanie Barney has already battled four cancers, and she fears a recurrence every day. Strengthened by this personal struggle that she has been fighting for years, it is through collective experience that she wants to instill strength in the patients who follow her.
In March 2023, together with five other top rowers, the World Coastal Rescue Champion will sail 8,000 kilometers across the Pacific Ocean. The purpose: to succeed for Team East of Hope, an association that supports adults and children during and after cancer treatment. These six women broke the world record for the longest paddleboard paddle with the power of their arms. On March 25, 2023, they arrived at Temae Beach in Mura to cheers from the crowd.
The idea of connecting Peru to the Polynesian islands comes from the anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl. A Norwegian explorer made this crossing in 1947 on a balsa raft. The purpose of Kon-Tiki’s voyage was to prove that the ancestors of the Incas inhabited Polynesia. Based on this adventure story, Stephanie Barney wanted to follow in the boatman’s footsteps to raise funds for children with cancer. Today, the association still faces many challenges. This Wednesday, September 14, the founders are organizing a school meeting to meet new people who need help. An opportunity to discuss future plans and remember this tremendous transition.
Stephanie Barneys on arrival at Temae Beach in Murray on March 25, 2023 Jeremy Gabriel for Cap Optimist
Shared experience
Madame Figaro. – What have been some notable moments for the fellowship since arriving in Mura?
Stephanie Barney: From May to June, we were able to share our expedition with our partners and see thousands of school children following us. Through our association, we have developed preventive and educational activities aimed at better health through physical activity. A few days after our arrival, we organized a sports day with 200 elementary school children. They could try several activities – swimming, running, rowing relay – and we would go from workshop to workshop to support them. Moreover, during our transition, we received words of encouragement from many students, we were very touched.
Against the gloom
What are the specific implications of this crossing of the Pacific Ocean for Hope Team East?
This highlighted our actions and enabled us to fundraise for an education program in schools, support for children and a sports equipment project in hospitals. In the future, I hope to convince cancer patients to join us. When the diagnosis is made, it is not easy to open the doors of the association. The fear of the bleakness of the surroundings can scare away some to whom we want to convey our dynamism and kindness. I would succeed in my mission if people would say to themselves: “I am sick today and I will not hesitate to come and get help.” On the other hand, this transition also proves our ability to accomplish important events. This strengthens our credibility with local stakeholders and the healthcare industry.
Stephanie Barney, Margot Calvet and Itiziar Abascal upon arrival Jeremy Gabriel for Cap Optimist
Can you share with us your upcoming projects?
Our school meeting is on the 14th of September at the Naturéo eco-resort in Seynose, Landes. This is a special moment, an outstretched hand. “We’re here for you, don’t give up” is the message we convey to new people who come to us. We would also like to increase our event, “Def Day”, which symbolizes the DNA of our association, that is, a sporting challenge that everyone can participate in.
My life still depends on the results of medical tests, but today I must live
Stephanie Barnes
A constant battle
You mention the concept of challenge, which is the key word in your commitment. Was crossing from Lima, Peru to Moorea, Polynesia the biggest challenge of your life?
The biggest challenge in my life has been fighting the disease since I was 28 years old. So I’ve been bouncing between good and bad announcements for twenty years. My cancer is linked to a family genetic predisposition, but some people with the same genotype as me may also never develop cancer. I have battled three breast cancers and radiation sarcoma, a complication of radiotherapy. My left sternum was removed so I row without it. I also have lymphedema which means one arm is bigger than the other. These are the consequences of dissection of lymph nodes. The lymph no longer circulates because there are fewer nodes, so this gives the “fat hand” effect. I’ve had ten operations with all the reconstruction work that goes with it, but I’ve had a top-level career for 27 years. After all, it’s pretty long. (is laughing): I had concerns with my age, the surgery and the consequences of the treatment. Fortunately, the body remembers the other hikes and returns physiologically. When I returned to the boat after paddling, it gave me a physical and mental well-being due to the release of endorphins.
Stephanie Barney paddled four hours day and night during this crossing Jeremy Gabriel for Cap Optimist
Ever since my son was born, I’ve lived in fear of not seeing him grow up, and that puts extra pressure on me. My life still depends on the results of medical tests, but today I must live. The expedition is my lifeline, it seems that there is no more sickness at sea. I especially like transitions, which in my eyes are equivalent to chronic illness. It’s a long-term challenge and not a marathon you finish in four hours. The transition is day to day, night to night, it’s very repetitive. But every day I realized how lucky I am to be alive. Even when I had to get up at two in the morning for a three- or four-hour relay, I said to myself: “You’re in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, some are in the hospital. You will row.’ .
Source: Le Figaro
