Like many women who grew up before Title IX, Kathy Frederick spent her young life studying ballet. When, at 42, she learned to row it felt like dancing with partners and she was immediately hooked. Just a few years later in 1993, the loss of a dear friend to breast cancer prompted Kathy to host a fundraising event on Portland, Oregon’s Willamette River. From those modest beginnings Row for the Cure was born, with regattas now hosted across the country in support of breast cancer care, support, and research.

Kathy opens up about:

finding her competitive drive

rowing with her husband, her “permanent mixed double partner”

becoming a rower with a mission

Advice for first-time regatta planners

To see photos of Kathy Frederick, and to get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.

Steady State Podcast is a production of Steady State Network.

This episode was written, produced, and edited by Tara Morgan and Rachel Freedman. Rachel also manages our website and social media.

Our theme music is by the Free Harmonic Orchestra.