A team of breast cancer survivors from Saskatoon is embarking on an international journey through dragon boat racing. Busting with Energy, the team, is set to compete in France against other global teams. Kerry Neal, a team member, expressed the uplifting experience of being on the water with individuals who share similar experiences. She discovered the team during her chemotherapy sessions and joined as soon as she felt better, highlighting the encouragement and camaraderie among the group.
The team exclusively includes individuals who have encountered a breast cancer diagnosis, jokingly calling themselves “the team no one wants to join.” Neal, who joined to manage lymphedema, a common issue post-breast cancer surgeries, found solace in the sport’s muscle and lymph node rehabilitation benefits.
The inception of breast cancer dragon boat teams can be traced back to Vancouver in 1996 when it was believed that activities like canoeing should be limited post-breast surgery. However, the Vancouver team debunked this misconception, leading to the global popularity of breast cancer dragon boating.
Anne Eagle, the team’s president, emphasized the team’s role in showcasing life after breast cancer, inspiring hope, and forming lasting connections. Eagle, a member for six years, shared her journey of resilience and the importance of the supportive community within the team. The program, which includes rigorous training, accommodates women of varied ages and fitness levels, fostering a supportive environment for all participants.
The Busting with Energy team, among 320 others, will participate in the 2026 IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival in Lac du Bourget, France, uniting over 4,500 breast cancer survivors globally. The event symbolizes solidarity and strength, with over 50 teams in Canada and 210 worldwide dedicated to breast cancer dragon boat racing.