In 1996, Canadian sports medicine expert, Dr. Don Mackenzie, wondered what would happen if he put 20 breast cancer survivors in a dragon boat. The idea of such vigorous upper body exercise for this type of group was counter to conventional medical wisdom. For decades breast cancer survivors had been told not to do strenuous and repetitive upper body activity for fear of creating more health risks to their already compromised bodies.
However, as Dr. Mackenzie suspected, the paddling experiment proved beneficial to the women. Dragon boating not only improved their strength, flexibility, and immune system, it also dramatically increased their bone mass and general well-being. In addition, the team provided important emotional support, camaraderie, and an information system for its members.
In China, the dragon is a symbol of strength, unity, and leadership. For breast cancer survivors, dragon boating has become a symbol of their struggle against cancer and their celebration of life. It empowers them to see themselves as “thrivers” not victims, in their continuing race against breast cancer.
