August 2025… The confetti has settled following the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) 2025 World Dragon Boat Races in Brandenburg, Germany. The memories are still flowing… and I’m grateful to add this experience to my collection of joyful moments.
When my chemotherapy treatment ended in 2012, I was eager to return to family, friends, and work—to get back to my “normal” life. However, I soon discovered that I didn’t quite fit in the way I used to. I joined a few local organizations for post-treatment support, and while they didn’t offer exactly what I needed, I met a good friend there who felt the same. Together, we started looking for something more, and in 2018, we found Knot A Breast (KAB), a dragon boat team in Hamilton, Ontario. I joined the following year, in 2019.
That first year was energizing and motivating. I couldn’t believe how good it felt to be surrounded by strong, supportive women. Dragon boating was totally new to me, but I was up for the challenge of learning how to be part of a team. I had hoped to meet women with shared experiences, but I never expected to find a thriving, powerful community.
The Story Behind Knot A Breast
Knot A Breast was founded in 1998 by Kathy Levy as a way to give people working through – and beyond – a breast cancer diagnosis a place to find strength, support, and purpose on the water.
The movement itself began in Vancouver in 1996, thanks to Dr. Don McKenzie, a sports medicine physician and exercise physiologist at the University of British Columbia. At the time, the medical community believed upper-body exercise could increase the risk of lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. Dr. McKenzie questioned that. He recruited 24 breast cancer survivors to paddle dragon boats, demonstrating to the medical world that movement could be a healing force. None of the paddlers developed lymphedema. In fact, many reported feeling stronger, healthier, and more connected than ever.
About Dragon Boating
I didn’t know what to expect from dragon boating at first. I hoped to make a few new friends and get some exercise. I never dreamed I’d find it so therapeutic. Macassa Bay Yacht Club graciously hosts our team boats, and being out on Hamilton Harbour, especially during sunset, is worth every ounce of effort.
Then, in January 2025, Dragon Boat Canada announced something incredible: for the first time ever, the IDBF World Dragon Boat Championships would include Breast Cancer Paddlers as a formal category. After months of rigorous training and testing, I was honoured to be selected—alongside three of my KAB teammates—to represent Canada on the international stage.
Competing in Germany last month ranks as one of the top experiences of my life. Canada’s performance was incredible. Athletes of all ages won 51 medals. It was amazing to hear the anthem played 41 times, once for each gold medal win. The Canadian National BCP team raced two boats in Germany – a standard (20-person) and a small (10-person) crew. I was part of the small boat, along with an amazing group of paddlers, a drummer, and a steer. We proudly brought home two gold medals and a silver medal.
Inspiring Life Lessons
I continue to draw strength and inspiration from those around me, my Hamilton teammates and the new friends I’ve made on the National Team. Every coach I’ve worked with since day one has helped me dig a little deeper, push a little harder, and believe in what I can do.
- I paddle for myself—to get stronger in both body and mind.
- I paddle for my daughters—to show them the power of movement, health, and perseverance.
- And I paddle for my teammates—because we are always stronger together.
With the support of many people, including my wonderful husband and fellow chiropractor Jim, personal trainers, Pilates instructors, and access to wonderful facilities such as the YMCA Hamilton/Burlington, I continue to grow stronger, both physically and mentally.
So, What’s Next? France – 2026!
The International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) will host its international festival in Aix-les-Bains next August, bringing together BCP teams from around the world to celebrate life, paddling, and the incredible strength of community.
I can’t wait.
