Cindy Gerstner loved anything that had to do with being in, on, or near the water -- swimming, fishing, scuba, snorkeling, rowing, body surfing, studying fish, and of course, teaching aquatic ecology. So, when faced with the news in late 2008 that her breast cancer had not only returned, but also spread to her lungs and beyond, it was only natural for her to return to the water to help fight her disease.

In 2009, Cindy joined Recovery on Water (ROW), a mutually empowering rowing team for breast cancer survivors. Cindy “loved the camaraderie of this varied group of women who share the terrible commonality of breast cancer.” And wrote, “ROW has been a Godsend for me. It keeps me sane, and gets me motivated to exercise even when I am tired from chemo.” Adding, “For as long as I survive this disease, I am positive that ROW has contributed to extending my time on this earth."

Cindy bravely fought to the very end. Sadly, she lost her four-year-battle with breast cancer on April 17th, 2011, leaving behind her husband, Alfredo, and five-year-old daughter, Sarah.

 (Click on the video to the right to learn more about Cindy and ROW)

Please join us in honoring Cindy by helping ROW purchase a new boat for the team with the most fitting name imaginable, "Cindy".

By donating to this great cause, you will be helping other women like Cindy fight breast cancer. Every dollar counts and helps us get to our goal, so don’t worry that your donation is not big enough. **All donations are tax deductible under ROW's 501c3 status.

We hope that you can join us in celebrating this truly amazing woman-who meant so much to the ROW team and to so many others. Thank you for your support and help in spreading the word. And GO ROW!

- Recovery On Water and the Rumilla and Gerstner families.