In 2017 I experienced a bout of clinical depression as a precursor to the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The depression resolved with the help of medications within a few (albeit difficult) years, but my body was left aching and my hands were weak and burning. Often, I was unable to make a fist. I had pain simply trying to open my car door. Through Covid19, it was hard to get a diagnosis without in-person appointments. I was also young, only 30 at the time, and had to repeatedly advocate for myself in the healthcare system to be taken seriously. Finally, with the help of a new family doctor and an amazing new rheumatologist, my diagnosis was confirmed, and I started treatment. Since being medicated I have been pain-free for more than a year.

Before all that, I was a vibrant, adventurous, and cheeky person. I was always active and goofing around. I had moved to Taiwan alone in my 20s. I’ve always been brave, adventurous, and extroverted. I’ve always wanted to take a big huge bite out of life. Depression and Arthritis stole a lot from me. It really dulled my shine and made the world look grey. When you spend years sad and sore it's pretty exciting to get your sense of self back. With your pain managed, you start to dream of the possibilities in your life. “What should I do while I can? What’s out there for me?”

When I heard about Atlantic crossings in 2022 I was awe-struck. I followed the boats on social media, and the sport gripped me. Seeing boats of brave, powerful people, many of them women, successfully rowing into the harbor in Antigua and celebrating, flares in the air, sparked something in me. I was inspired and amazed. Then I thought “Wait a second - Why not me? I could do this!!"

A celebration of the great adventure that is life on earth - I started the Wild Rows Ocean Rowing team from the most unlikely place - land locked Calgary Alberta.

Come on everyone! We're rowing across an ocean!