Pacific Paddler December 2012 - (Page 22)

Lessons from Gail Grabowsky competed with or against Anyone who has her knows how exuberant Grabowsky is. I first met and tenacious a spirit Gail Gail many years ago at Koa Kai Canoe Club. I was new to the sport of outrigger canoe paddling and was awestruck by Gail and her crew. The next season, I was lucky enough and passion in and out of the canoe is conta- 2011 after having vague physical symptoms, then some not-so-vague symptoms. She got a colonoscopy, then was diagnosed with early Stage 3 rectal cancer. She received radiation treatments and chemotherapy, and although her surgery went well, she had a very bad reaction was hospitalized at Queens for over 70 days. to the chemo both before and after surgery and Gail continued an exercise regimen while in the everything rational you can to keep it from comout letting that thought cause you worry! Just ing back while accepting it may come back, withkeep on living on!” Gail has faced her disease with ongoing hope, unlimited positivity and a sense of humor. She has accepted the gifts of her friendships without expectation, only gratitude. to paddle and compete alongside her. Her energy gious, and she has faced the last year and a half of treatment for colorectal cancer the same way. ning as a swimmer in Mission Viejo at age 9. She played volleyball in college, then came to Hawaii while working on her PhD in the early 90's. As she was walking through Ala Moana Park on her way to Kewalo Marine Lab, she was stopped by a man asking her if she was athletic and if she Gail has been an athlete her whole life, begin- lete helped her in her journey, she remarked that as athletes we learn how to block out the pain in our bodies to keep moving forward towards When asked how being a paddler and an ath- hospital, which started out as nothing more than a few deep knee bends but later became a fullbody outdoor calisthenics routine in hospital garb (often with an I.V. attached!). She also made it a habit to sit on a bench outside every afternoon. She said that many people visited her while she sat on the bench and fed the birds, and each visitor contributed to her healing in their own our goal. Gail says that she has learned how to adapt as a "less than streamlined" swimmer and was interested in outrigger canoe paddling. That at Koa Kai in 1994. Gail has paddled for many clubs since and has been a vital part of many to accept that there may be things that she cannot do. Her advice to anyone who may be facing a cancer diagnosis or any obstacle that seems overwhelming is to surround yourself with good man was Irwin Keliipuleole who became her coach successful teams, taking too many awards and she is an Associate Professor and Director of Gail was diagnosed with cancer in July of honors to mention here. In her professional life Environmental Studies at Chaminade University. way. She learned how to cope by accepting the fact that she could die. "The silver-lining with cancer is that you appreciate every single day." it as “accepting that you had it and then doing friends, get good doctors whom you trust, and to be your own health care advocate. She says that she has learned to "let go" a little, stating that Gail doesn't see it as "fighting cancer", she sees your frame of mind has a lot to do with your path to recovery. When you don't have total control over a situation, Gail advises to focus on the things that you can control like taking a day off "I only workout once a day now." to rest. Yes, she has really learned how to relax, Gail has faced this diagnosis like any other part of her life's journey; she has grown and learned, shown grace and strength, and she has leaned on friends and family to help to pull her through. "I will always return to the ocean because of its healing power." Just like in a canoe, no one faces a cancer diagnosis alone. We rely on our families, our friends and our teammates to buoy our spirits and to continue to paddle the canoe while we rest a while. Gail faces the future with unlimited gratitude to those who have shown her support and hope that she can facing a diagnosis like hers. "pay it forward" and assist anyone who may be Amy Hebenstreit 22 Pacific Paddler - December 2012 http://hilobaypaddler.coom

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Paddler December 2012

Contents
Na Wahine O Ke Kai
Molokai Hoe
Around the Island Race - Hong Kong
Pailolo Challenge
Gail Grabowsky
Surfski in the Islands
New York Outrigger after Sandy
After you cross the finish line
Calendar

Pacific Paddler December 2012