Dragon Divas Laurie, Carol R. and Mary S. presented to the Twin Cities Lymphedema Support Group in St. Louis Park on November 30, 2009. They told the Dragon Divas’ history through photos of the team and our dragon boats. Each offered personal reflections on what being on the team has meant to them. We were represented well. Thank you for giving your time to this worthy event and for spreading the Diva spirit.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Dragon Diva Edie Funnell, who lost her battle with the cancer dragon this fall. She died on Tuesday, September 22, 2009. We praise her loudly!

We stay busy, sharing our message of strength through exercise and team spirit in other sports too. Diva Ginny Heinrich was spotted in her Dragon Diva shirt at the Twin Cities 5K on Saturday, October 3.

Even though the paddling season is over for the Divas, they are staying active in the community. Diva Happy Peris is participating in a breast cancer awareness event on Monday and Tuesday, October 5th and 6th from 11-2 at Nordstrom where she also works. She will be sharing her experience with the Dragon Divas, raising awareness about the role of exercise and breast cancer. Go check it out!

We’re so proud of Dragon Diva member Carol Rohrer who was recently recognized by local radio station WCCO (830 on the AM dial…) as their Good Neighbor of the Day for September 21.

Our lovely boat has returned to it’s home in Iowa, and our team is finished with our on-water, in-boat practices for the season. But, what a season it was! Thank you to our families and supporters… Thanks to everyone who wrote us a check, bought bread, and otherwise showed they believed in us and our mission, to show others that there is room for an active life after a diagnosis of breast cancer. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to spread the word.

The Dragon Divas wrapped up their August circuit tour in Superior, Wisconsin. This was the third of three states that hosted venues in which the team competed (others MN, IA). The women spread their message of survivors leading healthy, active lifestyles after treatment for breast cancer. 

The Divas competed in two races in Superior and posted highly consistent times of 2:37.18 for a 450 meter race. It was quite a thrill to see the ♥Dragon Divas ♥ name in lights on the top of the scoreboard for winning the women’s cancer division! The “power-finish” proved to be their secret weapon as they broke open their second race lead by over three seconds. They wrap up their 2009 season this Wednesday evening by hosting a Friends and Family event at their practice site.

The Divas entered the Bronze Division Finals as real competitors. There was just a 3 second spread between their time and that of the Champion. They beat five other co-ed teams by times. See the link for all the details including times, seeds, and overall results.

starbuck-results

The Dragon Divas claimed the silver medal at the Fort Dodge Badger Lake Bash this year. Coming in as defending champs, we were beat by a very strong team from Indianapolis, the SurviveOars. Again, though, it was a great event, and despite some decent rain, it didn’t rain on our parade; we still had a great time.

The Fort Dodge Messenger staff took many pictures of the event; check ‘em out!

The Dragon Divas are getting ready to head to Starbuck, for the Dragon Boat Festival on August 7th and 8th. It looks like a good time, so drive on out and check us out.

August is a busy month for the Divas, with the Starbuck races on the 8th, the Fort Dodge Badger Lake Bash the following weekend on August 14th and 15th, and then the next weekend, August 21st and 22nd, we’re heading up to the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival. Good thing gas prices are not too outrageous, with this travel schedule!