Pulling for Pink adds world's largest ally to battle breast cancer

The fight against breast cancer gained one of its largest allies on Saturday in the form of the 144 foot, 900 plus pound Stampfli Express, the worlds largest row boat.

The battle against breast cancer can be a daunting one, that's one reason why the Pulling for Pink Foundation brought in an ally just as daunting for rowers across the world.

"It was like, 'oh my God,' that looks like a monster," Manisha Ratakonda, a young rower, said.

Over 120 rowers came together for an event aimed to help thousands fight a disease unlike any other.

"We have the world's largest rowing boat," Angela Houtz, founder of Pulling for Pink, said.

The Stampfli Express is in Austin to not only wow riders but also to join the fight against breast cancer. A fight Houtz began several years ago after her diagnosis with breast cancer.

"It started through the love that I have for my rowing friends and my rowing community." Houtz said, "They were here, they mowed my lawn, they bought my groceries, they took me to and from the hospital, and helped me realize that there are probably other women and men going through this that don't have that kind of support."

A love and support that continues to grow larger than this legend of the water.

"I think it is really cool because you always hear about this boat in the rowing community, everyone knows about the 24 and everyone wants to row it and to be able to row it for a good cause is a lot of fun," Teal Cohen, a rowing enthusiast, said.

A cause that is delivering a message that extends beyond the water.

"I think it shows that something small like this, like $25 to row in a boat with 24 people and the money goes to breast cancer, it is like a triple win. It really was an awesome experience overall," Ratakonda said.

An experience that will help thousands get the support they need to keep moving forward.

"No one should face breast cancer alone," Houtz said.

Since 2013, Pulling for Pink has helped raise more than $30,000. All of proceeds goes to the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Texas.

If you would like to help donate you can go to bcrc.org