As a scientist, Bridget Prendiville knows how to listen to her body. So when four mammograms showed no evidence of breast cancer but Bridget still felt that something still wasn’t right, she pushed for further checks.
“I requested an ultrasound in my left breast, which showed some irregularities. They biopsied it and discovered I had stage 3 breast cancer,” says Bridget, who’s lived in Tauranga since 1999.
That was in late 2020 and Bridget, the mother of TVNZ sports reporter Michelle Prendiville, underwent a full mastectomy of her left breast. This was followed by months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as bone infusions to strengthen her bones and help prevent the cancer from spreading.
Almost four years down the track and the 60-year-old saysthe “silver lining” of her disease was becoming involved with the Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga Trust (BCSST).
“As soon I was diagnosed, I got in contact with them because I wanted to learn as much as I could about breast cancer. They put me in touch with the BOOBOPS, a dragon boat racing team of breast cancer survivors.”
Despite never having been in a dragon boat or done strenuous exercise since she was at school, Bridget soon fell in love with the thrice-weekly training sessions and, later, regional and national competitions.
“Doctors told me how important it was to keep moving my body after breast cancer. So, joining the BOOBOPS really helped my recovery. Even more than that, I found camaraderie and friendship with women who’ve been through the same thing as me. We really understand each other and think of ourselves as not just survivors but as thrivers.”
It’s also why Bridget signed up for the BCSST’s 100k’s in 30 Days Aotearoa challenge. The fundraiser, which began in 2022 to raise funds for breast cancer support services, encourages participants to complete 100km during May by foot, bike, or in the water.
“Lots of people sponsored me and I raised over $1000 the first year. This time, I’m going to try to do 100km on land, as well as 100km paddling on the water.”
Bridget trained as a scientist in her native South Africa but came to New Zealand in 1987 after meeting her Kiwi husband, Stephen Prendiville, who was playing rugby in Johannesburg. After working
for a vaccine company in Upper Hutt, the mother-of-two retrained as a secondary school science teacher.
“I wanted to give back to children and get them to love science as much as I do,” explains Bridget, who has taught at Tauranga Girls’ High for 23 years.
Since her diagnosis, she has reduced her hours to part-time to prioritize her wellbeing.
“I was always so vigilant about having health checks, including getting mammograms once I turned 45. But after having cancer, I realised how many changes I could make to my life in order to be healthier. From giving up alcohol and meat, to cutting down stress.”
But taking up exercise has been probably the biggest game-changer.
“I used to walk the dog occasionally, and go to the gym now and again. But then life would get busy and I wouldn’t have the time to exercise. I’m so cross that I didn’t get into exercise a long time ago because it’s keeping me alive.
“I tell everyone now how important it is to move your body every day. Exercise really is the best medicine.”
Bridget’s healthy new lifestyle has also had a flow-on effect for Stephen, a contracts manager, and her daughters, Stephanie, 31, and Michelle, 28.
“The girls have always eaten well, but I’ve encouraged them all to increase their vegetable intake. Even Stephen has swapped his toast in the morning for a green smoothie.”
Breast cancer, admits Bridget, has changed her life for the better.
“If I hadn’t got cancer, I’d still be eating the same things, not exercising, be constantly tired and would have nothing to look forward to. But I’ve found my passion with dragon boating. I’m currently training and fundraising for the world championships in Italy in September.”
Energetic Bridget admits it’s going to be a challenge, but one she’s up for.
“We’ll be competing against the top breast cancer teams from around the world. We’re working really hard and fundraising to make sure that it’s affordable for every paddler who wants to go.”
Her message to Kiwi women is to keep checking their breasts.
“Out of the 55 BOOBOPS, three have breast cancer that wasn’t picked up by mammograms. So keep having your mammograms, but also monitor your own breasts and listen to your body. If it’s telling you that something’s not right, then go and see your doctor.”
Get fit, have fun and do something good for Kiwis living with breast cancer diagnoses. Sign up for the 100k’s in 30 Days Aotearoa challenge, taking place 1 -30 May, to help raise funds for Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga Trust. To register and donate, visit 100ksin30days.nz.
