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Dragon Boats Conquer Cancer: A New Life on Water
31 Jul
Summary
- Dragon boating provides a unique way to forget cancer's harsh reality.
- The Manchester Dragoneers team was founded in 2012 for women post-cancer.
- The group focuses on life and outdoor activities, not solely on cancer.
A breast cancer survivor has found a unique way to cope with the disease's aftermath by establishing a dragon boat team. Ann Johnson, diagnosed in 2006, created the Manchester Dragoneers in 2012 to support women navigating life post-treatment.
Johnson, 69, expressed that the grueling reality of cancer felt like being "thrown off the edge of a cliff." Dissatisfied with traditional, talk-focused support groups, she sought an active, outdoor pursuit. Inspired by a breast cancer dragon boat team she joined, she founded her own closer to home.
The sport offers a powerful escape. Johnson highlighted that being on the water allows participants to forget about clinics, consultants, and their diagnosis. The Manchester Dragoneers emphasize focusing on life rather than dwelling on breast cancer.
