Loch Erie Monster?
If you were down at the Hatch, say, having a delectable summer ice-cream treat on a Monday evening, you might have seen a dragon, sailing out from the Inner Harbor past the Naval Park. Of course, this dragon is powered by twenty women with paddles, a drummer in the bow and a helmswoman in the sternOeWhat gives?
Don't worry: this monster isn't dangerous. It's Buffalo's Hope Chest Dragon Boat team. This group of ladiesoall of whom are breast-cancer survivorsomeet to exercise as a group each week, practice on the water twice weekly, and have been entering festival competitions as well. Organized by Laurie Dooley, The Hope Chest team is one of 28 breast-cancer survivor teams competing in this fast-growing international water sport, and only the second such team in The U.S. when it was formed in 2000.
What is the connection between breast cancer and paddling? Aside from the camaraderie and support of a team sport, Dragon Boat racing was promoted by Canadian physician and researcher Dr. Don MacKenzie in Vancouver to de-link the association between strenuous upper-body exercise and lymphedema. Besides exercise, Dragon Boat racing provides a high-profile vehicle for breast-cancer awareness and fund-raising as well. All breast cancer survivors are welcome to join, the program is free. You can contact the Hope Chest at: HopeChestTeam@aol.com
So, if you're down at Erie Basin Marina and you spot a fast-approaching (and glowing!) Dragon Boat, be sure to give them a cheer! -Ethan Cox
Photo Montage: Ethan Cox Photos: Andrei Hand
Ethan and his wife recently moved back to Buffalo from Chicago. Welcome back guys.
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