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Cancer Recovery

Empowering Women

150 minutes of exercise per week is associated with a 24% reduction in risk of cancer recurrence and a 45% higher likelihood of survival (source); however, only 8% of cancer survivors achieve this level of exercise. CREW309 is on a mission to bridge this gap.

CREW309 is on a mission

to empower women

to lower their breast cancer risk

through the sport of rowing.

We are a rowing program for breast cancer survivors and “previvors” (women with high genetic risk of developing breast cancer). We row indoors year-round at our facility on Water Street in downtown Peoria, Illinois, and outdoors on the Illinois River during rowing season (June through October) from Eastport Marina.

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By giving to the Legacy Fund, you can honor someone with breast cancer by adding their name to our newest rowing shell, the Legacy, creating a lasting tribute that will travel with our team every time we row.

Your support helps us grow our fleet, expand access to survivor rowing and keep this incredible community moving forward while honoring those closest to you.

Introducing the

Legacy Fund 

Honoring the strength, resilience, and journeys of those affected by breast cancer

Legacy Tribute Wall

Paula Jensen

Sherri Burritt

Denise Hansen

Holly Newbon

Heather Galletti

Kristy Karmenzind

Jane Kalmes

Lisa Doerr

Terri Zotz

Lisa Crossman

Lynn Wyzgowski

Diane Durr

Karoline SeitzGoddard

Megan Brennan

Diane Rowe

Laurie Peterson

Rina Rowe

Lindsay Vlaminck

Alyssa Lewkowski

Paula Jensen • Sherri Burritt • Denise Hansen • Holly Newbon • Heather Galletti • Kristy Karmenzind • Jane Kalmes • Lisa Doerr • Terri Zotz • Lisa Crossman • Lynn Wyzgowski • Diane Durr • Karoline SeitzGoddard • Megan Brennan • Diane Rowe • Laurie Peterson • Rina Rowe • Lindsay Vlaminck • Alyssa Lewkowski •

Let’s get more women moving on the water

Every donation brings another woman closer to recovery, to reclaiming her body, and to keeping cancer at bay with a community of amazing survivors by her side. Artwork by Sherri Burritt and Susan Czechowski.

ROW with the CREW

CREW309 rows year-round indoors on rowing machines, called ergometers, or “ergs”. Indoor rowing is a great way to become familiar with the rowing stroke and all new members learn rowing basics on land before ever getting into a boat. Some members on the team choose to only row indoors, while others enjoy the magic of rowing on the water.

  • “CREW309 has changed my life. Love the close knit community of women. Love the way I feel mentally and physically.”

    — Laurel

  • “Being a part of CREW309 has given me back who I was before cancer. I’ll never be able to repay them for all they have given me. I am honored to be a part of this organization that helps cancer survivors, through community, discover the love of rowing.”

    — Barbara

  • “Cancer Recovery is just the name. The real part of CREW309 are the incredible women who make you feel special. The support, friendships and just being part of a true group of strong women is the best feeling.”

    — Marcia

  • “CREW was a lifesaver after my surgeries. The bonds and friendships created within the team are unlike any others I've had. This organization is truly one of a kind.”

    — Amanda

  • “Learning a new sport after 3 surgeries and chemotherapy. My old self would have said, are you kidding??? but my new self, with the support of CREW, says, ABSOLUTELY!!!!”

    — Jennifer