Meet the CREW

CREW309 was founded in 2017 by breast cancer survivors Kassie Williams and Lindsay Vlaminck.

Inspired by a family friend who served as the executive director of a rowing program in Chicago, Kassie envisioned bringing a similar initiative to Peoria. Lindsay had previous rowing experience and was eager to see this dream turn into reality.

For the first three years of the program, CREW309 was mentored by Recovery On Water (ROW), based out of Chicago. Their mentorship and support helped the team raise almost $200,000 to launch the program in Peoria. Volunteer leadership and coaches generously gave their time to conduct multiple practices weekly, providing women in the community with the opportunity to row at no financial cost.

In 2020, another milestone was achieved as the team transitioned to CREW309 (Cancer Recovery by Empowering Women), an independent 501c3 organization. This pivotal step granted greater financial autonomy, ensuring that 100% of resources could be directed towards directly serving women within the local Peoria community.

2024 begins their seventh season of supporting and empowering breast cancer survivors and previvors (those with a high-risk genetic mutation) in the Peoria area. The program is sustained today alongside the support of generous donors, grants, and public fundraisers. The members of CREW309 take pride in the community that has rallied behind their cause, partnering with local small businesses and showcasing the beauty of the Illinois River whenever possible.

While rowing on the river offers an elevated experience for team members, it is only a small portion of the overall rowing season. Members row indoors all year round to build the strength and endurance needed to live healthy lives after the impact of cancer treatment, which was the vision Kassie and Lindsay held from the very beginning.