SAVOY, IL (Chambana Today) – Prairie Dragon Paddlers (PDP) is a not-for-profit organization that supports breast cancer causes, based in Champaign County. Throughout the year, the Prairie Dragon Paddlers work to educate our community about prevention and treatment, while working directly with newly diagnosed people to help them navigate life after diagnosis. This group was founded in 2015 by Kelly Bradham, and the organization’s purpose is to inspire hope and contribute to the health and well-being of breast cancer survivors through the sport of dragon boating. The ancient sport of dragon boating has been shown to be very beneficial to breast cancer survivorship, both physically and mentally.
Dragon boating for breast cancer survivors emerged after Dr. Don McKenzie, a sports medicine physician at the University of British Columbia, believed that following a special exercise and training program would improve the quality of life. To test his hypothesis, he launched “Abreast in a Boat” in 1996, the first breast cancer survivor dragon boat team. Since then, hundreds of breast cancer survivors across the world have formed dragon boat teams and are paddling and racing regularly.
Between April and October, PDP operates a recreational and competitive dragon boat team of breast cancer survivors. They practice twice a week at Homer Lake, preparing for several weekend races throughout the summer. Off-season, they encourage one another to stay fit, socialize, and plan their fundraising efforts in support of their organization and breast cancer research.
Prairie Dragon Paddlers is governed by a volunteer board of directors and staffed by an executive director and a coach. Their events, to name a few, include a Pink Paddle Pickleball tournament, a Spring Fundraiser plant sale, an Informational Breakfast, and a Friends and Family Festival. For more information, visit their website: The Current Team — Prairie Dragon Paddlers.