After battling breast cancer five years ago and going into remission, she was told last year it had returned and spread through her body. The paddling community has paid tribute to Atkinson following her passing, with Mooloolaba outrigger and women s coach Jenny Rasmussen sharing plenty of fond memories. She was just a positive and inspirational kind of person, Rasmussen said. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she d always have a go. (The word) Can t wasn t really in her vocabulary - it was just how am I going to do this . Rasmussen said Atkinson had been a member of the Mooloolaba club for almost 10 years, after joining from fellow paddling group Panamuna Outrigger Canoe Club.