Attach a dragon head and tail to a 40-foot long boat with 20 breast cancer survivors and supporters on board, and you've got Dragon Boat Atlanta. It's about camaraderie, rehabilitation and recreation.
Breast cancer survivor Beverly Booth founded the group in 2004. She had heard about Dr. Donald McKenzie’s findings that upper body exercise and resistance training did not increase the risk of lymphedema, as was commonly believed.
His research using dragon boat racing as the method of exercise "improved the quality of life and helped to control the common complication after breast cancer treatment (lymphedema)," according to McKenzie.
Marilou Frizzell, a member for three years, was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2015.
“I found the group in October, went to one practice and was hooked. It is so much fun. You’re with a group of women who are in the same boat as you – no pun intended,” said Frizzell.
While their mission is about breast cancer awareness, they share in the belief that life can be fulfilling after diagnosis.
Nancy Crawford said, “We’ve had cancer. We don’t want to go back there. So we only go forward. People confuse us with rowing, which goes backwards.
“Our stroke makes us go forwards. We don’t look back.”
Five of the 31 current members are part of the original group. Out of the 31 members, there are four men who are supporters.
Julie Hovis explained, “It’s not like paddling a kayak or a canoe from your summer camp days. You have to start the stroke from a high position with your top arm very straight. You almost spear the water while simultaneously rotating.”
The first row of paddlers set the pace of the boat. At the bow, the drummer beats out the rhythm to help synchronize the paddling and encourage the team. The steersman directs the boat and gives commands.
"…as the result of a devastating diagnosis, I found a sport that I love. It is unlikely that if I had not had breast cancer that I would have found dragon boating," said Kathy Cunningham.
Saturday, May 4, they will be co-hosting the Third Annual Acworth Dragon Boat Race & Festival with Loving Arms Cancer Outreach at the Dallas Landing Park.
The non-profit group is always looking for new members.
“I am a supporter, rather than a survivor, but if I ever was diagnosed with breast cancer I can’t think of a nicer or more supportive group to be a part of,” said Hovis.
For more information, visit www.dragonboatatlanta.us or call (706) 870-3689.
www.acworthdragonboatfestival.com
Each Sunday we write about a deserving person, nonprofits or charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To submit a story or person for us to cover, email us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com
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