Our Teams
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Dragons Abreast Gold Coast (DAGC) became incorporated in September 2006 with the focus to promote awareness of breast cancer, the importance of early detection, life after breast cancer, and to provide support and inspiration to others in a similar situation through participation in the wonderful and strenuous sport of dragon boat racing.
It does not seem possible, but as recently as 1996, the prevailing medical wisdom worldwide was that after breast cancer surgery women should not participate in upper body exercise, it was thought that this could cause and/or aggravate complications like lymphedema. This belief was challenged by Canadian physician, Professor Don McKenzie, who started training a small team of breast cancer survivors to paddle dragon boats. His subsequent paper, published in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association, established that dragon boat paddling does not impact on the incidence or severity of lymphedema, and that paddling improves the general strength, health and wellbeing of breast cancer survivors. The Pinkies train hard and have entered dragon boat regattas locally, interstate and internationally. Twenty-two breast cancer survivors in a dragon boat. All dressed in bright pink, paddling for life and promoting breast cancer awareness. They have competed in many countries around the world and competed in Florence, Italy in 2018. DAGC participate strongly in other awareness events including Relay for Life, Awareness for Ovarian Cancer, Prostate Cancer Regatta, Pink Ladies Triathlon, Breast Cancer walks, Kids in Need, Daffodil Day, Walk For Life along with many other events including Clean Up Australia Day.
DAGC hosted its first regatta on our own Currumbin Creek on 27 November 2011. “Christmas on the Creek” is now an annual event. The competitive outcome is secondary – our survivors are all winners, simply by being here and being able to paddle! |
DRAGONS ABREAST GOLD COAST –
BECOME A MEMBER Dragons Abreast aims to raise breast cancer awareness, encourages women to regain an active, adventourous life after breast cancer and offers support to all. Join us and enjoy life after breast cancer! A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF DAGC
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