A group from the Cortland Community Rowing Association is preparing to compete in the most prestigious rowing regatta in the U.S.

The group of six women ranging in age from 53 to 70 call themselves “the Viking Survivors.” All are survivors of various forms of cancer and are at different points of recovery.

The women will join 12,000 rowers, including other cancer survivor teams, for the annual Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston next week.

The team practices in sweep or sculling boats several times a week on Lake Meahagh in Verplank, and they are often on the water before the sun comes up. The women say being on the water together is healing for mind, body and spirit.

"When we're in that boat, we're thinking about how life pulls the rug out from underneath you in a lot of ways, not just cancer, and so we hope the example that we have can embolden people who maybe at a low point in their lives,” says team member Anne Dimock, of Croton-on-Hudson.

The Cortland Community Rowing Association is open to everyone and offers various programs from youth to adult. For more information, click on this link.